It’s helpful to let the dying person talk about what is on their mind. Let them take the lead in the conversation. They may talk about dying in an indirect way, such as by asking:
“I don’t think I’m going to get through this, am I?”
Or they may be more direct and ask:
“Am I dying?”
If you can, it’s good to respond to any questions honestly. If you feel stuck for words you could say something like: “Are you worrying about something?” or “That’s a big question, have you been thinking about that for a while?” or ‘Is there something on your mind you would like to talk about? Although it can be hard, it can be good to tell the truth. Some people don’t want to focus on what lies ahead or talk directly about death or dying and their end of life. However, they may want to be reassured about what’s happening and that they are getting care and support. When you’re talking about death, it helps to listen carefully and to let the person speak freely. This may be about practical, emotional or spiritual matters.
It is important you look after yourself during these conversations. For more about this see Section 5.
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When Someone You Care About is Dying in a Nursing Home - What to Expect
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