When a loved one faces a terminal illness, it can be difficult and emotionally charged. You may feel helpless and uncertain of what to do.
There are many things you can do to support them during this time.
Supporting a Loved One Who Is Near The End Of Life
- Let Them Know That They Matter and That They Are Loved. Make sure to express your appreciation and admiration for all they’ve accomplished, and let them know how much your relationship has meant to you. Encourage other family members and friends to do the same so your loved one knows how much they’re loved and cared for.
- Let Them Feel That They’re Still in Control. It’s important to let them maintain an everyday life for as long as possible, doing the things they can. Once they need help to get through each day, always ask their opinion and ensure their wishes are followed.
- Don’t Make Them Talk about Their Current Condition. If they don’t want to talk about the details of their illness with you, it’s probably because they don’t want to worry or upset you. Just be there to offer support and love; they will come to you when they’re ready to talk.
- Make Them Feel Heard. Listen carefully to what they’re saying and ask questions to get clarification. Help them to weigh the pros and cons of their options and to think through their fears and concerns. Let them know that you’re there for them and support whatever decision they make.
- Make Their Space Clean and Comforting. Make their room feel like home by keeping the area free of clutter, hiding or disguising medical supplies, and surrounding them with their favorite things. Pictures, flowers, artwork, music, and above all, people, will help make the space feel more comforting.
- Alleviate Their Fears. If your loved one is afraid, try to talk to them about their fears. See if you can do anything to help make them feel better. Sometimes just talking about what they are afraid of can help.
- Ask Less, Act More. Instead of waiting to be asked for help, try to anticipate ways to be helpful to your loved one. They may not be able to identify or articulate the areas where they need help, so if you see a way you can help, just do it.
- Reassure Them That It’s Okay to Go. Tell your loved one that you have taken care of everything and that their family will take care of each other. Let them know it is okay to let go when it is time. This will help them to pass away peacefully.
Hospice Care for Your Loved Ones
When a loved one is nearing the end of their life, it can be difficult to know how to best support them. One option is hospice care, designed to provide compassionate care for terminally ill patients.
Hospice care can be provided in various settings, including the patient’s home, a hospice facility, or a hospital. Hospice care teams typically include doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers, and they work to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support for the patient and their loved ones.
Contact Your Trusted Hospice Care in Atlanta Today!
When a loved one is nearing the end of their life, it can be difficult to know how to best support them. However, there are ways you can support your loved one during this difficult time. If you are unsure how to support your loved one, you can ask the hospice care team for guidance. They can provide information and resources to help you through this difficult time. Are you looking for hospice care in Atlanta? Get in touch with us at Golden Rule Hospice. We offer compassionate palliative care and social and spiritual support for our patients and their families. Contact us at (470) 395-6567 and let us know how we can help.
We live by the Golden Rule
Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
