Watching someone you love suffer is one of the hardest things you can go through. This is especially the case if you know the only way the person is going to get any relief is through death. Unfortunately, this happens often when illnesses such as cancer take hold of your loved ones and put them through a great deal of pain. While this is a very difficult thing, there are some things you can do to help. For one thing, hospice care can be a great option for those who are waiting for their loved ones to pass from this world onto the next. Helping someone who is on hospice care can be challenging both physically and emotionally, but it can be done by simply following a few steps.
Be There
It sounds obvious, but the most important thing you can do is be there for your loved one. Being present in the final days or weeks can mean more than you might realize. Those who are waiting for their imminent death want their loved ones as near to them as possible. While you may not be able to take an extended time off of work, be there whenever you can. Of course, you want to make sure you ask the person or the caregiver when a good time is, because you don't want to interfere with his or her rest or schedule. However, most of the time, people who are in hospice care are going to want others with them nearly all of the time.
Listen to Loved One
Another thing your loved one will probably need is someone who is willing to listen. Whether he or she wants to talk about the illness or something completely different, having someone to talk to can make a world of difference for people in this condition. If the person wants to talk about the illness, make sure you don't appear uncomfortable. There are a few things you can do to help ensure you don't look uncomfortable:
- Maintain eye contact
- Avoid looking around or shifting uncomfortably
- Respond occasionally so the person knows you are listening
These things can show that you are truly listening and want to be there for your loved one. However, if he or she doesn't want to talk about the illness, then don't force the issue. Let your loved one lead the conversation and talk about whatever it is he or she would like to talk about.
Help Around the House
Sometimes things as simple as cooking meals or housecleaning can be a burden to the person on hospice as well as everyone around. If you are one of the closest family members to the dying person, then try to hire some help around the house or find someone who would be willing to cook some meals. If you are a friend who would like to be the person who helps with those things, you will likely be greatly appreciated. You would be surprised at how these simple things can release a burden from the person on hospice as well as the family members.
Take Care of Yourself
Taking care of a dying person can be draining, even when you have nurses and other family members who can help. Make sure you are taking good care of yourself during this time. Try to eat healthy foods, get enough rest, and drink plenty of water. These things may seem difficult, but it's important to not neglect your own needs when you are so invested in the needs of everyone else. Also, look into counseling or find a neutral third party you can trust if you need to talk things out.
Taking care of a dying loved one is hard, but following these steps can help ensure you are there for that person in any way he or she might need.
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