Life review involves looking back over one's life and recalling turning points, cherished memories, conflicts, achievements, perceived failures, successes, relationships, life changin events and anything else that was significant in the life of your loved one. Life review gives your loved one the opportunity to reminisce, finish unfinished business, and leave a legacy for you, family members and/or friends. It can bring about a sense of resolution, healing, meaning, and purpose to your loved one's life, all of which help acheive peaceful life closure.

Life review tends to be a natural process for those at the end of life as they try to make sense of their life and prepare for death by telling the story of their life. Chances are that you have probably been engaged in life review with your loved one without realizing it. Life review is simply aksing questions about their life, listening to the answers, and being present with them as they reminisce and work through the process.

Life review does not have to be a formal process, nor does it need to be lengthy. As the caregiver, you can initiate life review at any time: while giving a bath, while cooking dinner, while waiting in the doctor's office, or while sitting together quietly in the evening. It can occur in short periods over time. As the caregiver, your greatest contribution in the life review process is to listen closely, identify and validate your loved one's feelings, and cherish the opportunity to be a part of your loved one's life review.