Image by Craig Road Pet Cemetery from Facebook
That scary thought has finally come true … Your loved one is terminal. What do we do now? How can you help?
A terminal diagnosis is one of life’s most difficult realities. In these moments, medical and mental health support should be provided, however, there are also non-traditional routes that ease the pain and bring comfort where it’s needed most. Sometimes it’s the smallest acts of care that make the difference.
Comfort Through Art
The humanities have been a source of healing and providing remedies for centuries. Art, words, and creativity can soften pain and bring forth meaning, even in the hardest chapters.
“Creative energy is the essence of all healing. We physicians do nothing, we only help and encourage the physician within.” – Albert Schweitzer
One deeply meaningful practice is engaging in Narrative Projects. Specialized hospice groups often encourage these practices, but loved ones and caretakers can do them too.
One of the first ways in which you can bring comfort and organization in life’s final moments is through Narrative Projects. These narrative projects can be easily tackled through small interviews or story telling, which is in turn documented in legacy projects. Though there are specialized hospice groups that already push, conducting narrative projects as a caretaker affirms life and its very specialized meaning.
A good example of a narrative project would be Mitch Albom’s novel Tuesdays with Morrie, though narrative projects can be conducted in any format– journals, letters, recordings, etc.
Comfort Through the Senses
For another example, Reading Aloud is proven to ease distress and evoke feelings of transcendence and disassociation. Whether it’s reading poetry or a beloved childhood book, the rhythm and nostalgia of language material can offer sustenance.
One of the last but most influential ideas is Sensory Applications. Activities like coloring, creating mosaics, or flower arrangement can be particularly beneficial for those who struggle with verbal expression, and instead have the opportunity to focus on visual stimuli.
Comfort Through Relationships
At the heart of end-of-life care is connection. Relationships and human connection provide understanding, compassion, and love in great abundance and help people, especially those struggling with a terminal diagnosis, to feel heard and seen.
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength.” – Lao Tzu
One very strong way to bring comfort through relationships is by Utilizing Recollection. Sharing memories through stories or photos strengthens bonds and helps both patients and caregivers find closure.
Spiritual Connection, if applicable to your loved one, can also be profoundly comforting. Offering prayers for or praying with the individual brings a special kind of comfort that religion so often induces.
Comfort Through Reminders
Sometimes, the most powerful comfort doesn’t come from saying all the right things or doing all the right things, but rather being present. Being silent with your loved one is just as crucial.
For you, the caregiver, remember to extend yourself some compassion as well. You are navigating one of life’s biggest struggles, and being proactive in doing so. You are doing great. Your love speaks loudly and is more than enough
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