Helping Someone Who is Dying

• The gift of your presence is the most important gift you can give to a dying person. Just being in the moment with them is often all they need. Don’t be afraid to just sit and watch out the window.
• Remember that you are walking with someone- not in front them and not behind them.
• Do not be afraid to talk to the dying person about their condition and about what is happening. They know. Oftentimes people are reluctant to speak about death- it seems that it is like the elephant in the room. But it is also vitally important that you follow the dying person’s lead. If they speak about it and open up the conversation, take that as a cue to speak about it.
• Visit more than one time if you are able.
• Offer practical help- cooking meals for the dying person, the caregivers of the dying person, help with housework, offer to run errands, get medication, etc.
• Talk with the family members as well- include them in the conversation. It is a journey all of you are walking together.
• Turn to scripture- especially John 14:23 or John 15:4
• Get spiritual support for yourself so that you can process what you are going through.
• Return to Pastoral Care