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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.

Spiritual Needs

People nearing the end of life may have spiritual needs as compelling as their physical and emotional concerns. Spiritual needs involve finding meaning in one's life and ending disagreements with others, if possible. The dying person might find peace by resolving unsettled issues with friends or family. Visits from a social worker or a counsellor may also help. Many people find solace in their faith and an afterlife. Praying, talking with someone from one's religious community (such as a minister, priest, rabbi, or Muslim cleric), reading religious text, or listening to religious music may bring comfort.
Family and friends can talk to the dying person about the importance of their relationship. For example, adult children can share how their parent has influenced the course of their lives. Grandchildren can let their grandparent know how much he has meant to them. Friends can relate how they value years of support and companionship. Family and friends who can't be present could send an audio or video recording of what they would like to say or a letter to be read out loud.

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All topics in this module

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  • 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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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