When visiting someone who is dying, focus on being present, listening, and expressing love, gratitude, and forgiveness; use simple, heartfelt phrases like "I love you," "Thank you," "I'm here," or "I'm sorry," share positive memories, and offer reassurance that you'll be okay, while also allowing space for silence and their emotions without judgment or overly optimistic platitudes.
Speak soothing words
“I love you, always.” “I'm here for you, no matter what.” “You're not alone; we're in this together.” “I'm just a phone call away.”
Try to treat someone who is dying as normally as possible and chat about what's happening in your life. This makes it clear that they're still a part of your life. Avoid talking in an overly optimistic way, for example, “You'll be up in no time”.
Keep it general and upbeat. Touch their hand lightly and make eye contact, let them know how much you care about them and how happy you are to see them. Ask if there is anything they might like that you could bring them, maybe a photo of your garden, or your children, or some nice lotion for their hands.
Three Magical Phrases To Comfort A Dying Person
Four simple phrases: “Please forgive me,” “I forgive you,” “Thank you,” and “I love you” — carry enormous power to mend and nurture our relationships and inner lives. he explains how we can practice these phrases in our day to day lives and the impact they can have. Dr.
Phrases like, “I'm always here if you need to talk” or “You're not alone in this” can provide the reassurance they need. The goal is to offer comfort and remind them that they have your unwavering support.
Avoid saying things like “I know how you feel,” “You're going to a better place,” or “Everything happens for a reason.” These can inadvertently cause distress.
The 80/20 rule is part of the Medicare hospice rule that ensures most hospice services are delivered where patients feel most comfortable — at home. Under this guideline, at least 80% of all hospice care must be provided in a patient's home setting, such as a private residence, assisted living, or nursing facility.
Something to help them tell their story
It's hard to say goodbye – but you don't have to “say” anything. Most critical: Just show up. Be there. Foot rubs, stroking an arm or shoulder, kisses, smiles and gazing into someone's eyes all communicate compassion, love and gratitude for a shared lifetime.
Top Ten Gift Ideas for Hospice Patients Include:
Hospice Isn't About Giving Up
It's not a place to speed up the process of dying. A doctor suggesting hospice does not mean they're giving up on providing care and medical treatment. It's end-of-life care, but this doesn't mean giving up hope. It means shifting focus from curative treatments to comfort and support.
Writing Text Messages
Start with an acknowledgment of their loss: “I'm deeply sorry to hear about the passing of your loved one.” Offer a comforting sentiment: “Please know I'm here for you during this difficult time.” Keep it simple but supportive: “Wishing you peace and comfort in the days ahead.”
Key signs 2 weeks before death at the end-of-life stages timeline: Extreme fatigue and increased sleep. A marked decrease in appetite and fluid intake. Irregular breathing patterns (Cheyne-Stokes breathing)
Studies and surveys confirm the tremendous physical, emotional, spiritual and financial benefits of hospice care. Yet, the median lifetime length of service (MLOS) for hospice is just 17 days.
Generally speaking, people who are dying need care in four areas: physical comfort, mental and emotional needs, spiritual needs, and practical tasks. Of course, the family of the dying person needs support as well, with practical tasks and emotional distress.
First, of course, you should be yourself. Second, you're going to take conversational cues from your friend. Whether they want to talk about death or last night's game, you are there to listen, ask questions and keep the focus on them. If you both sit silently, that is OK too.
The 3 C's of grief are Control, Connection, and Continuity - three fundamental psychological needs that become disrupted after loss and require intentional attention during the grieving process.
Rather, patients speak of relationships with the people they love and who love them; what life means to them and how they might be remembered; the reality of death; their hope that they won't be a burden to others; their worry about how those they are leaving behind will manage without them; and a fear of the process ...
Tell Them It's Okay to Let Go
First, assure them that while it's normal to want to hold on at the end of life, it's okay to let go. Don't force things, but do remind your loved one of how much you love them. Let them know you're not angry and don't hold any resentment that they're dying.
"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." "Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow." "If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again."
Synonyms of comfort