Helping a Family Member Deal with Death and Dying

What should I do as my loved one faces death and dying?

ARTICLE SUMMARY

Grace was lying in her bed, the TV blaring in the corner when her daughter Nancy came in the room. “Mom, let’s talk for a bit”. Turning off the TV, Nancy sat next to her bed, and held her hand. Tears welled up in her eyes, and they just stayed there, looking into each others eyes. There was no need for words between them – just being together was enough.

What do I do?

Relax when you are with one who is facing death and dying.
Listen with full attention - spend time together.
Pray and read from the bible together.
Be present – not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.
Don’t force communication- it will become easier the more often you do it.
Don’t be embarrassed if you run out of things to say – just sit and be near them

Leaning close, whispering in your loved one’s ear, holding hands, sometimes just looking at each other – all of these things have meaning for your loved one.

Find out the things they enjoy the most now, and do that every time you see your loved one - as they face death and dying it will make their last moments meaningful, and comfortable.

What should I do when my loved one faces death and dying?

FULL ARTICLE

Grace was lying in her bed, the TV blaring in the corner when her daughter Nancy came in the room. “Mom, let’s talk for a bit”. Turning off the TV, Nancy sat next to her bed, and held her hand. Tears welled up in her eyes, and they just stayed there, looking into each others eyes. There was no need for words between them – just being together was enough.

Relax when you are with one who is facing death and dying. Listen with full attention and spend time with him or her. Pray and or read from the bible together. Be present – not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. Be ready for tears, but also be ready for laughter.

Communication at times may seem difficult – don’t force it. It is understandable that communication is difficult when facing death and dying, when death is made so real to us. It will become easier the more often you do it, so be patient with it. The more time you spend with your loved one the easier it will become.

A person facing death and dying can also be of help to their relatives. By sharing their life stories, and showing by example how they face their own death, they are able to help those around them become more comfortable with death and dying.

Physical contact is a must – we all like touch. That is especially true at the end of life, when one is facing death and dying. Leaning close, whispering in your loved one’s ear, holding hands, sometimes just looking at each other – all of these things have meaning for your loved one. Find out what things they enjoy the most, and do that every time you see your loved one - as they face death and dying it will make their last moments meaningful, and comfortable.