When a family member is close to passing away, you may suddenly feel as if you’re out of time and that you don’t know what to do or say. That’s a common reaction, and there are ways to cope.
Avoid Making Promises You Know Can’t Happen
It’s tempting to make plans and promises, even when you know they’re not realistic. But what that does is bring up false hope for your family member and for other people in the family who may still be grappling with this situation. You can still be realistic without being cold or cruel.
Avoid Making a Conversation Happen if Your Family Member Isn’t Ready
You may be ready to talk and to share with your family member what this situation means for you, but she may not be ready to hear all that yet. In time, she may be there. It’s difficult, but you may have to exercise some patience instead of trying to make deep, meaningful conversations happen. When your family member is finally ready to have those big talks, you’ll have your chance.
Follow Her Lead in All of This
You’re going to need to follow her lead in other ways, too. If she has never been an extremely religious person, then planning a very religious memorial service is likely to be upsetting for her. The same is true with so many small aspects of each day. The goal is to help your family member to feel comfortable and to get the rest that she needs, which is something that she can lead on.
Say What You Feel Called to Say
Even though you’re not forcing situations or conversations, do say what you feel called to say, especially when it’s kind, loving, and supportive. Don’t hold that back from your family member right now. Share that you love her and that you’re there for her in all the ways that she needs you to be right now. If she can communicate with you, ask her to share with you what else you can do or what else she needs. Then just keep doing your best.
If you’re still not sure how to talk through what you’re thinking and feeling with your family member, that’s something you can get help doing. Hospice elder care is there for your family member’s care, but also to help you and other family members to deal with this transition.
If you are or a loved one is considering hospice elder care in Tucker, GA, please call the caring staff at Arcturus Hospice and Palliative Care today. Call 678-383-9973 today to speak to our care team.
Kate Gorinshteyn is the director of marketing at Arcturus Health Care. Arcturus is a fast-growing Hospice striving to provide the highest level of quality care to patients faced with life-limiting illnesses. Our goal is to make each patient as pain-free as possible and give physiological, emotional and spiritual support to both the patient and family. We understand that the decision change from curative to comfort care is difficult, and our team is trained to help you every step of the way!
We are proud to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
