Supporting Someone at End-of-Life
Supporting Someone With a Serious Illness and/or at End-of-Life
Caring for a friend or family member who requires palliative or end-of-life care can be challenging. You may feel overwhelmed, tired and scared. You may not know what to say, what to expect, or how to offer support…but there is a lot you can do, and you don’t have to do it alone.
1. Start by seeking out helpful information and resources.
The Canadian Virtual Hospice offers support, information, and articles on a range of topics such as: how to provide care at home; helping with medications, eating and bathing, and the changes people experience in the final days of life. Canadian Virtual Hospice: www.virtualhospice.ca.
2. Connect with your local hospice.
Even if the person you are caring for is not at end-of-life, hospices are hubs of support for anyone dealing with a life-limiting illness. They can often help organise visiting volunteers, day hospice, and other supports, as well as offer information and respite for the caregivers. You can find information about local hospices and other supports here.
4. Be a Compassionate Presence.
Just being there for someone makes a difference. Show your concern for someone else by being truly present in the moment with them. Human beings have a strong physical and emotional impact on each other. Having compassionate presence requires us to be mindful of the energy and thoughts that we carry with us and bring to all of our interactions:
- Don’t worry about finding the perfect words to say. Share that you may not know what to say or do but that you care about them and will be there for them.
- Take your cues from the person you are supporting. Ask them how they are feeling, and find out what they would like to do with your time together. Would they like to go for a walk? Have a chat? Sit in companionable silence? Watch a movie?
- Don’t rush. Take some time to make sure you are feeling calm and able to offer support.
- “Listen with your heart” without trying to judge or direct people’s choices or emotions.
- If the person appears to be in and out of sleep, that is okay. They will know they are not alone.