Baycrest - End of Life Volunteer Manual
54
• Understand their emotional reactions
• Accept the pain of bereavement and find meaning in their
suffering
• Talk about new ways of interacting with people and new modes
of living
• Recognize when to keep silent. Don't try to fill empty spaces
with words
• Relax and keep your sense of humour and perspective. More
than anything else, bereaved people need contact with these
qualities. You may be the only one providing it
When talking with the bereaved, respond with empathy. For
example: "How can I be of help?". Avoid clichés such as: "I know
how you feel." or "You will marry again." or "You'll get over it."
or "The person whose dying wouldn't want to see you cry."
PROMOTING HEALTH AND WELL-BEING FOR PEOPLE WHO
ARE GRIEVING
Volunteers should not give advice but they can point out things
people who are grieving can do to protect their own health.
PHYSICAL HEALTH
• Grief and exhaustion makes you susceptible to illness, so pay
attention to nutrition, rest and exercise.
• Eat lightly, even if you have no appetite.
• Sleeplessness is common, so relax by reading, writing letters or a
journal, knitting, and try to take naps in the day.
• Start small with exercise - take a walk, or garden - and
gradually gain momentum.
• If you have symptoms of an illness or people are telling you to
see a doctor, consult one - even if you feel it isn't necessary.
• Pamper yourself: sleep in, buy yourself something special.
• Feel free to cry as tears are healing and help to lift burdens.
