Baycrest

Baycrest - End of Life Volunteer Manual 24 Loss of independence: A dying person gradually loses the ability to function and look after him or herself, and becomes much more dependent on others. Many people suffer more from the loss of function than they do pain, and find it difficult to let others do things for them – particularly intimate things, such as bathing or cleaning them. • Be aware of the person needing help with activities such as eating or drinking, and offer assistance in a way that respects the person's dignity and reduces their feeling of dependence or being a burden on others. A need to connect with others or set things right: As people grow closer to death, they want to be able to express their love to the people closest to them and they often want to set things right. • Avoid giving advice or false hopes, or trying to fix the person or their problems. • It is not necessary to engage in long conversations with someone who is dying. • Being present is often all people need to let them know they are not being abandoned. • Think about the kind of support you liked to receive when you faced a crisis. • Ask yourself: How did I feel? What did I want? What response did I most appreciate? What did I do? How did others best help me? Loneliness and isolation: As people get closer to death, they may have fewer visitors and less contact with the health care providers they saw often when they were receiving curative treatment. They may fear being left alone or going to sleep in case they die alone. Lost dreams: Some people experience sadness over failed expectations in their lives – the things they didn't get to do with their family or friends or in their careers.

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