Table of contents:
- Facing death does not mean breaking hope
- Help loved ones prepare for death
- 1. Present by his side
- 2. Listen to the complaints
- 3. Help face the fear of death
- 4. Create a comfortable and calm atmosphere
- 5. Talking about death
- 6. Expressing feelings of love, gratitude, and forgiveness
- 7. Goodbye
It is not easy to accept the fact that your loved one has a certain chronic illness. Especially if the doctor has stated that there is no treatment or medication that can cure the patient. However, your role in assisting dying patients is enormous. You must be able to strengthen and let go in order to help your loved one prepare for a peaceful death.
Facing death does not mean breaking hope
You may be caught in a dilemma. Have to accept the fact that a loved one is near death? Or continue to think optimistically, that there must be a way to treat this disease?
Whatever your choices and your family's, keep in mind that facing death does not equal despair. It doesn't mean you give up. Rather, it provides an opportunity for loved ones to process all the feelings, worries, and plans related to their death.
Make no mistake, usually people who are near death already have a feeling that the time will come soon. This may be implied. For example, there is a desire to meet relatives who have passed away or a longing to go to a distant place. You have to keep fighting with him. However, you also need to be prepared when the time comes.
By preparing for death, when dying picks up your loved ones you can leave with a lighter heart and full of peace. You can also arrange funeral processions and other matters exactly the way the patient wants them. This is certainly a part of respect and love for your deceased loved ones.
Help loved ones prepare for death
Accompanying a dying loved one is one of the toughest challenges you will have to face. However, this experience may be made more meaningful and positive. Here are the steps you can take when preparing for the death of a loved one.
1. Present by his side
Your presence to accompany a loved one is the best medicine for him at this time. The reason is, depression and loneliness easily attack people who are stricken with serious illness. You can spend your time praying together or just sitting by their side holding their hand softly.
2. Listen to the complaints
Your loved one may feel uncomfortable, in pain, or angry about the condition. Therefore, listen to all his complaints as sincerely as possible. Sometimes, patients just need to be heard, not looking for suggestions or solutions. You need to be more sensitive and learn to understand these signals.
3. Help face the fear of death
Death is a natural process, an inevitable part of life. So, when they express their fear of death, comfort and calm them with soothing words. For example, “No matter what, I'm here with you. You're not alone, really. " You can also reassure by saying, “The doctor told you, right, the process is not painful at all. You're already using drugs so don't worry. "
4. Create a comfortable and calm atmosphere
To prepare for a peaceful death, your loved one needs an atmosphere of comfort and calm. Avoid fighting with other family members in front of the patient. You should also limit the number of guests visiting patients in the room. Do not let the patient become so busy receiving guests that he cannot rest and spend quality time with the people who matter most in his life.
5. Talking about death
Pay close attention when your loved one starts discussing death. For example, discussing funerals or asking religious leaders to accompany him. Don't just ignore it with the excuse, "You're not going anywhere right now." You just have to listen to his wishes carefully and make it happen as much as possible.
6. Expressing feelings of love, gratitude, and forgiveness
Take time for yourself and other family members to express love, gratitude, and apologies to loved ones. This can provide an injection of enthusiasm and courage for the patient to prepare for death.
7. Goodbye
Sometimes, your loved one will already know that the time will come. However, he felt that there were still "dependents", namely people he was not willing to leave. Therefore, it is important for you and other family members, especially those who are "dependents" to say goodbye and let the patient go.
Simple words can help your loved one feel more confident that he doesn't have to worry. For example, “I promise I'll be fine without you. I will take care of our family with all my heart and be more enthusiastic in pursuing my work. " Even if it's hard to say, your loved one needs this kind of assurance in order to be calmer and more resilient in preparing for death.
