The Denver Hospice
March 6th, 2024
What to Say When Someone is Dying: Ways to Comfort a Dying Loved One
Wondering what to say when someone is dying? When a loved one enters into hospice care at the end of life, family members can feel a bit overwhelmed as they try to offer help in a situation they’ve never experienced before. Most of us haven’t been exposed to death and have never learned how to be with a dying person.
But even though it can be stressful at times, caring for a dying loved one is a great privilege and provides an opportunity to learn about the most significant passage of life. When you face this difficult crossroad with someone you love don’t shy away from being a caregiver because you feel unprepared to be of service to the dying.
Here are some ways you can help bring comfort to a dying loved one:
- Create a quiet environment
- Sit in silence
- Speak soothing words
- Dim the lighting
- Keep the patient’s mouth moist
- Play soft music, if helpful
- Use gentle touch
These moments spent with a loved one during the last few hours of life are precious and profound and they can change you for the good forever. Say yes and show up to offer comfort… You won’t regret it.
The senses of a dying person are often enhanced so loud noises can be disturbing and unpleasant. According to the National Institute of aging, setting a comforting mood is important, “Some people prefer quiet moments with less people.” Turn off the television, ask visitors to take their conversations to another room, remove the telephone, and minimize outside sounds that may come in through the windows.
