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This information has been written for the caregiver and patient. It gives some hints on ways a caregiver and patient can express what they're feeling to each other in the final stage of life, especially as death gets closer.
Saying goodbye is not easy, and often does not come naturally. It also may be hard to do because of the patient's health or because of the place where they are receiving care. Remember that every person's situation is different. No one can really predict what may happen at the end of life, how long the final stage of life will last, or when death will actually happen.
If able and if time allows, people often use this time to gather family to say goodbye. But, sometimes death happens quickly or a loved one is out of town or traveling. This can limit the time to say goodbye.
If they can be together, family may take turns with the patient, holding hands, sharing good memories, or just sitting quietly. Some caregivers and family members may feel the need to stay busy by making meals or doing chores and other activities around the house. This can also be a time to perform any religious or cultural rituals and other activities desired before death. It’s a chance for many families and friends to express their love and appreciation for each other. The key is to be reassuring and honest, and to speak from the heart.
Here are some hints that may help you in this difficult time.
The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team
Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.
Gregory C. The five stages of grief: An examination of the Kubler-Ross model. Updated April, 2019. Accessed at https://www.psycom.net/depression.central.grief.html on April 18, 2019.
Hui D, dos Santos R, Chisholm G, et al. (2015), Bedside clinical signs associated with impending death in patients with advanced cancer: Preliminary findings of a prospective, longitudinal cohort study. Cancer. 2015;121(6):960-967.
Keeley MP. Family communication at the end of life. Behavioral Science. 2017; 7(3):45.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Palliative care. Version 1.2019. Accessed at www.nccn.org on April 2, 2019.
Ngo-Metzger Q, August KJ, Srinivasan M, Liao S, Meyskens FL. End-of-life care: Guidelines for patient-centered communication. American Family Physician. 2008; 77(2):167-174.
Last Revised: May 10, 2019
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