Baycrest - End of Life Volunteer Manual
23
A dying person's
emotions/emotional needs
The support a volunteer
can provide
Fear of pain: Fear of pain is
the main concern of many
people nearing end of life.
Pain creates anxiety in the
dying person and family
members.
• Reassure the person that they
can be kept comfortable with
nursing care, medication,
cleanliness, exercise (when
possible) and diet.
• Remind the person to report
any pain to the doctor, nurse or
other caregivers.
• Reassure the person and family
that everything will be done to
take away their pain.
Fear of death and other fears:
Most people are afraid of
dying. People need
opportunities to express their
fears, anxieties and anger –
although some people find it
easier than others to talk
about emotions. Some may
want to talk about what it
will be like or about their
concept of an afterlife.
• Avoid giving advice or forcing
your views on the person.
• Be sensitive. Ensure that people
who talk easily about their
fears feel accepted. Be patient
and wait for those who find it
harder to express their feelings.
Need for acceptance,
understanding, love,
nurturing and intimacy:
People who are nearing end
of life need to feel loved,
nurtured and accepted. They
need opportunities to connect
with other people and share
their thoughts and fears, and
to feel understood.
• Recognize that it is a privilege
when someone shares his or
her intimate stories with you.
• Be deeply respectful of the
person. See the other person
as an equal.
