What do you say to someone who has 6 months to live?
"I love you and I'll miss you."
It's important to leave nothing unsaid. Let your loved one know how much you appreciate, love, and care for them. It is comforting and validating for a dying person to know the impact he or she had on this life. Express your love and allow yourself to be vulnerable with your loved one.
What do you say to someone who has a terminal illness?
Encourage them to talk about their life, if they're able to and interested. Talking about memories can help affirm that their life mattered and that they'll be remembered. Just be there. Sometimes it's the companionship that is most appreciated – sit together and watch television or read.
To start a conversation, it can help to say things like 'I know this is very difficult, but maybe it would help if we talked about how we feel, and what the future may bring'. Let them know that you feel sad too. Sharing feelings will help you both cope better.
Don't ask 'How are you?' For most of us, asking someone how they're feeling is a natural conversation opener, and we probably don't even think about the significance of the words. ...
Visual or auditory hallucinations are often part of the dying experience. The appearance of family members or loved ones who have died is common. These visions are considered normal. The dying may turn their focus to “another world” and talk to people or see things that others do not see.
This idea comes from Medicare, the U.S. government organization that pays for much of older Americans' health care. Medicare pays for hospice care if your doctor believes you have 6 months or less to live, the cancer does not respond to treatment, and your medical condition does not improve.
Talking about dying can help someone with a terminal illness to express their concerns and fears, and help them to make plans for what's important to them. It can bring up uncomfortable emotions for you and for the person who is dying, but there are things you can do to make the conversation easier and more meaningful.
It says “Please forgive me,” “I forgive you,” “Thank you,” and “I love you” It's the four things you're supposed to express at the end of your life to find peace of mind before you die. Rose Bosacker has the quote on a little card on her fridge.
Seriously ill patients encountered by hospice and palliative care clinicians are at risk for thirst due to dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, hypotension, xerostomia, and immobility which can impede access to water.
And we all need to be reminded that staying comfortable for too long, is slowly killing us. Life is outside of your comfort zone - not in an environment that is crushing your soul, or in the bottom of a bottle.
