Provide Comfort

• Allow your loved one to sleep as much as they wish.

• Turn your loved one if it makes them more comfortable.

• Wet their mouth with a washcloth or wet sponge. Apply lip balm.  Do not use a petroleum based lip balm if your loved one is on oxygen.

• If you loved one has a fever or is hot, apply a cool cloth to the forehead and give medication as instructed.

• Play your loved one’s favorite music.

• If short of breath, raise the head of bed, place oxygen on the patient if ordered, and let a fan blow on them.

• Reduce noise or stressors. Use soft lighting.

• If they are cold, apply extra blankets

• Don’t be afraid to give as much pain medication as the MD ordered. (Pain is easier to prevent than to relieve, so don’t allow it to get severe).

• If the patient has a loss of appetite, try offering their favorite foods, serving small frequent meals instead of 3 big meals; offer soft foods, ice chips.

• DO NOT FORCE them to eat.

• Keep activities simple due to fatigue – keep items within reach, use bedside commode.

• If the patient is not agitated or trying to sleep, physical contact like holding their hand or a soft gentle massage may be comforting and make them feel more connected to their loved ones.

• Be there for them; often just being present is enough. It may not be necessary to talk or fill the time with activity.  Your quiet presence can be a simple and profound gift to a dying family member or friend.