Maybe the most important thing you can do when someone is close to dying is show them compassionate care. In the hours before death, a person receiving care may have very little energy — or they might rally for a last moment of lucid conversation before dying.

Either way, they will want someone who cares about them close by. Here are some things you can do to help them feel comfortable and relaxed in this time of dying.

These are recommendations from Centrica Care Navigators nurses and care team professionals. You can find more suggestions on ways to help your loved one here on our website. 

· Create a quiet environment

· Dim the lighting

· Play soft music, if helpful

· Sit in silence

· Speak soothing words

· Use gentle touch

The idea is to create a supportive environment, a place where the dying person can feel comfortable. They may still be feeling pain from their life-limiting illness, or they may not recognize who you are. But everything you are doing to support them really does help.

Many changes

When someone is very near death, you might notice a lot of physical changes, like difficulty breathing and little to no interest in eating or drinking. They may also be sleeping almost all day long as they conserve energy. You might need to clean them if they’re unable to get to the bathroom or use the toilet properly.

There are simple things you can do to help with each of these situations, like carefully moving their body into a more comfortable position. You can also stay patient and speak gently with someone who may not understand what you are saying, or who cannot respond.

Mentally and emotionally, people at the end of life are often experiencing feelings of closure. They know they are dying and they want to make things right. They might welcome an estranged family member or friend to finally make up for some long-ago rift. They might consult a Centrica Care Navigators chaplain to talk about what they think happens after death, and their other questions of faith.

Be aware that every person is different, though, and your loved one might not experience any of these conditions.

Don’t act alone

At Centrica Care Navigators, the primary goal of every patient interaction is to make sure the patient is receiving compassionate care. The patient may still feel some pain or discomfort, which can be part of the dying process.

You may hesitate to do anything without the support of a care team, or be so involved in your loved one’s care that you put your own life to the side for a while. Both of those reactions are common, but may not be the best options for you or the people you care about.

There’s no need for you to figure out all alone how to care for someone at the end of life — not when there’s an experienced team that can help guide you in giving the right care at the right time. As you can see, many of the things you can do to help someone you love are simple to do, especially when they’re done alongside skilled healthcare staff.

You can learn more by exploring our website or calling Centrica Care Navigators at 269.345.0273.