English
Back

Hold my hand at the end (at or near the end-of-life)


 

The end-of-life may come suddenly, or a person may be near-death for days or a longer period before finally passing. For some people, the body weakens while the mind stays clear. For others the opposite is true. You may want to know what happens when someone is dying and how to provide comfort and care, what to say, or what to do.

Thinking about the end of life can be emotional and death can be a difficult topic to talk about. There are also many practical things you can do may have to do. This module will provide insight into the following areas: care when nearing the end (practical issues), providing physical comfort, mental and emotional needs, and spiritual needs.

Care when nearing the end

Many practical tasks need to be done when a person is nearing the end of life — both as relief for the person who is dying and to support the caregiver. A person who is dying might be worried about who will take care of things when they are gone.

Everyday tasks can also be a source of worry for someone who is dying and can overwhelm a caregiver. A family member or friend can provide the caregiver with a much-needed break by helping with small daily chores around the house such as picking up the mail, writing down phone messages, doing a load of laundry, feeding the family pet, or picking up medicine from the pharmacy.

Finally, remember to take care of yourself as a caregiver or support person. Witnessing the end of life can be emotionally and physically draining, so be sure to seek support from colleagues, friends, or professional counsellors as needed.

Discover More

 

 

All topics in this module

  • Default
  • Title
  • Date
  • Random
  • Care when nearing the end +Read More

    Care when nearing the end

    Learn to manage practical tasks and alleviate worries for those nearing end of life, including daily chores and caregiver support, emphasising the importance of self-care for caregivers.
    Read More
  • Sample Image +Read More

    Providing Physical Comfort

    Explore how to address the physical and emotional changes during the last days of life, ensuring comfort through symptom management, hydration, and personal care with safe involvement of family and friends.
    Read More
  • Sample Image +Read More

    Mental and emotional needs

    Learn the importance of addressing both physical pain and emotional distress in end-of-life care, emphasising open conversations, managing fears, and the power of simple physical contact to provide comfort and connection.
    Read More
  • Sample Image +Read More

    Spiritual Needs

    Address spiritual needs at life's end by finding meaning, resolving conflicts, and embracing faith or personal beliefs, with support from family, friends, and spiritual advisors, enhancing peace through connection and expression.
    Read More