Try: The prospect of death is uncomfortable to discuss especially for an older Care recipient (cr) while there is no single formula to follow during this bittersweet time you can take steps that will enable you to provide support for the cr without feeling unnecessarily frightened or burdened by stress and anxiety here are some tips don’t ask the cr how to help although asking how you can help might be your first instinct instead try to anticipate ways in which you can be useful the cr is embroiled in an immense crisis and he may not be able to identify or articulate the areas in which he needs help it it’s also possible that he might feel uncomfortable asking for aid so if you see a way in which you can help just do it because it is common sense don’t make the cr talk about the condition remember that the cr has talked endlessly to doctors about her illness prognosis and treatment options if you were not a part of those meetings it it’s okay to ask about general news, but resist the impulse to go into detail it will only make the cr more uncomfortable listen to the cr when the cr is ready to talk be ready to listen, even if the topic is one you’d rather avoid the cr may not need advice but what he does need is a sounding board to help him think through the pros and cons of his options, someone who won’t fall apart when he talks about his fears and concerns help alleviate the cr’s fears if the cr is harboring fears about the dying process or death it it’s important for her to address them gently encourage the cr to talk about what she is afraid of or apprehensive about and do what you can to alleviate those worries whether that involves physical action or affirming words help the cr maintain dignity and control although you might want to do everything you can for your loved one from the minute he receives a terminal diagnosis it it’s important not to hover over him or prematurely treat him as an invalid let him maintain a normal life by doing the things he can for as long as he can otherwise he might feel as though he has lost control of his life once your loved one does need aid to get from one day to the next always be sure to consult his opinion and make sure that his wishes are being followed reassure the cr that life mattered it is common for depression and doubt to set in when someone accepts that she is losing the battle to stay alive take every opportunity to express appreciation and admiration for the cr’s past accomplishments and communicate what your relationship has meant to you make sure that your loved one knows how much you care for her and encourage other family members and friends to do the same information references agingcare com
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Categories: Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical, Spiritual
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Keywords: End of life death
*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed