who have died before them – which can intensify their sense of grief and loss. Concern about the future of their loved ones. A dying person may be able to talk calmly about his or her own illness and impending death, but become very distressed when talking about his or her family. Who will take my place in looking after my family? People are often concerned for their future of their loved ones and the impact that their death will have. Concern about their wills or funeral. Some people may be concerned about making or changing their will – or ensuring that people they know are given something of theirs to remember them by. Some will want to be involved in their funeral planning.
• Listen but do not give advice or try to solve any problems. • Put them in touch with the appropriate support people
3. THE VOLUNTEER’S ROLE IN EMOTIONAL SUPPORT People who are dying and their families need: • Empathy – the feeling that someone understands their experience. • Permission – to express their thoughts or feelings, to be afraid or angry or withdrawn. • Individuality – to be treated as a person, to be asked about their needs and to not have people make assumptions about how they feel. • Advocacy – someone to speak on his or her behalf if necessary and advocate for their needs. • Truth – an accurate diagnosis and facts about their care and prognosis. • Time – to integrate their experience and have their questions answered. To provide effective emotional support, the volunteer must: • be in tune with his or her own feelings and emotions about death and dying • give people the freedom to express what they need to express
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