How to Comfort Someone Who Is Dying: 4 Helpful Tips

Are you wondering how to comfort someone who is dying? Are you trying to find the right words or wondering how to act? If so, you may be worrying about the wrong things.

It’s probably the first time you’ve faced this situation, after all. In Western Society, the topic of death is taboo, so it’s common to be shielded from the terminally ill. Read on to discover what experts say, so you can share in your loved one’s last moments without fear or hesitation.

1. Be Present

Loneliness is one of the largest problems patients in hospice care suffer. And they may be suffering for no reason. It’s common for family and friends to avoid the dying for either of the following reasons:

• They don’t want to be a burden
• They want to avoid the situation altogether

Look, this is your last chance to see the person you care about. They’re dying. They know they’re dying.

They also know these will be the last moments, or hours, or days they get to spend with you. Your presence doesn’t have to be a burden. You don’t even need to spend all that time next to their bed.

See if you can help with other chores in the house. Pop your head in when they’re awake. Ask your friend or loved one what you can do to best support them.

If you’re avoiding the situation altogether, it’s likely because you don’t want to face it, or you don’t know how to act. Just remember, your friend’s death is coming whether you like it or not. And you don’t need to know the right way to act.

You just need to be present and be real. The rest will come naturally.

2. Follow Their Lead

If you’re helping a dying loved one, you may not know what they need. If that’s the case, follow their lead.

If they fall asleep, it’s probably a good time to get up and use the restroom. If they’re suddenly full of fire and vinegar, it’s probably a good time to invite in guests who’ve been waiting to speak with them.

If you have a difficult time reading them, then ask. Don’t be afraid.

3. Say Goodbye

Whether you’re helping a dying friend or a dying parent, the result is the same. That person you care about is going to die. And it’s going to be soon.

Unfortunately, you don’t know whether it’ll happen tonight or a month from now. That’s why you must say your goodbyes before your loved one passes.

Don’t wait. Do it during your next visit.

Take time now to think through all the things you want to say. If you think you’ll forget, write yourself a list. Bring props and pictures if they’ll help get your point across.

4. Embrace Touch

You don’t need to say anything. A study done by Matthew Hertenstein, Ph.D showed that humans can decode emotions through touch alone. It works for fear, anger, disgust, sympathy, love, and gratitude.

Just hold your loved one’s hand. Brush their hair. Massage their feet.

All you need do to help your loved one in hospice care is remain in physical contact.

  Know How to Comfort Someone Who Is Dying

The simple answer is to be yourself. It’s when you change your behavior that things become awkward.

Now that you know how to comfort someone who is dying, don’t wait. Stop by today.

If you can’t, pick up that phone and call. Otherwise, you may never get the chance.

If you found the sections above helpful, pop over to our huge library full of lifestyle and health articles. So long and good luck!

The post How to Comfort Someone Who Is Dying: 4 Helpful Tips first appeared on Weirdomatic.

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