Baycrest - End of Life Volunteer Manual
48
COMMUNICATION – THE BASICS
For optimal communication, check with the nurse to learn about
who you are visiting before your visit.
• Do they have any assistive devices such as wear glasses, hearing
aids or dentures?
• Is there normal speech, language, voice?
• Do they have a communication disorder and use a
communication aid such as a 'pocket talker'?
WHAT WILL I TALK ABOUT?
As a volunteer, you may be anxious about what you will talk about
with the dying person and/or their family member, particularly
when you first meet. Here are some tips to get the conversation
started:
• Before your visit, review the information on the person's likes,
dislikes and any sensitive topics that you should avoid.
• Remember to ask open-ended questions.
• Be prepared to share information about yourself and do not be
afraid to describe your own feelings when appropriate.
• When you arrive, take the "temperature" of the room by asking
family members how the person is and how everyone is coping.
Making pat
comments
It's for your own good.
Keep your chin up.
Just listen to your doctor...he knows
Introducing an
unrelated topic
Patient: I'd like to die.
Volunteer: Did you have any visitors
today?
Sympathizing Oh, you poor thing.
Correcting That's not how it happened.
Educating
This could turn into a positive experience
for you if you just...
