Los Angeles Palliative Care – Learn How to Communicate with a Dying Loved One

While palliative care can assist patients with curative treatments, it can also offer comfort to terminally ill patients who do not have a chance of recovery. Talking to a loved one in palliative care can be difficult, especially if you don’t know what to talk about. In this article, we have listed ways you can communicate with a dying loved one in palliative care and help them understand how much they mean to you.

How to Talk to a Dying Loved One

Let Them Lead the Conversation

If a loved one is near death and a hospice care provider is needed it might be overwhelming to think about what to talk about with them. While some people prefer being blunt and honest, others want to talk about things with urgency as they find humour distracting. However, what matters most is what the dying person needs. Let them talk about their new symptoms and hear what they say. Be sure to ask questions to let them know you want to talk about the matter and are interested in what they have to say.

Apologize for Regrets & Let Go of Resentment by Forgiving Them

If you regret hurtful words or actions, it is best to ask the dying person for forgiveness and let them know you are sorry for hurting them. When you ask for forgiveness, you address a painful part of your relationship and let them know you care about them. Asking for forgiveness can prompt the other person to think about their actions and ask for forgiveness. Let go of any built-up resentment by saying, “I forgive you,” and you will begin to find peace while talking to them and after their death.

Appreciate Them

Express thanks to the dying person for their legacy and how they played an important part in your life. You can support your loved one’s dignity with a specific and sincere “Thank you.” It will let them know that their life mattered for you and their other loved ones. You should tell them how much you appreciate them with a simple “I love you,” even if you are not in the habit of saying it out loud.