Kuolinvuodekokemus

Authors

• Elina Grönlund .

Abstract

ELE, end-of-life experiences, DBV -deathbed visions or DBP -deathbed phenomena, are common and have been known in many cultures including early Christian and Jewish cultures. In Finland there has been little discussion about the phenomena. There are many reasons to let these experiences unreported; they can be seen a taboo subject, there are feelings of embarrassment and fear to be believed mad. The most common of ELEs are DBVs in which the dead relatives, mostly mother, or near friend, comes to help the dying one to the other side. Only the dying patient can see the visitor although those present can see him / her talking to someone with whom he / she is willing to go. Majority of the experiences take place in clear consciousness. Sometimes there are angels and spiritual beings or pets of childhood in the visions. In many cases there are feelings of love, peace, compassion and consolation. Often light and mist can be seen in the room or over the dying patient which has been considered some kind of spiritual energy. The dying one often communicates symbolically which makes it difficult to understand the message heard. It is the question of the traditional language of the soul. The carers are aware of the need to talk about the ELEs with their colleagues and to encourage and reassure patients to speak about them. The phenomena can be understood an intrinsic, transitional part of dying process and belonging normally in the end of life. It has been spoken neither in nursing nor medical education.