6 Steps for Recognizing and Coping With Dying

The dying process usually begins much sooner than most people realize. Many people will mistake signs of dying for simple confusion or side effects of medication. Other signs of the dying process, like a decreased need for food and fluids, might be scary unless one really understands what's going on.

Being with a dying person can make many people uncomfortable. You might find yourself wondering what to say and what not to say. Your fears about death might surface making the experience seem more scary than special. Be assured that many people have these same struggles and you are not unusual in wondering what is the right way to be with a dying person.

Perhaps the ultimate act of love is caring for a loved one while they are dying. It can be a beautiful experience, providing the opportunity to express your love when they need it the most. The key is to feel confident in the care you are giving. Even if you have cared for babies and children, you may not have had experience in caring for a mature person who needs assistance with basic care.

Here are some practical tips for caring for your loved one during the dying process.

One woman described waiting for her husband to die as waiting for a tsunami to hit. She knew the loss would be great and she would grieve terribly once he died. What she didn't realize is that the grieving had already begun. Grieving probably started the day she heard her husband's diagnosis. It isn't a substitute for grieving after a death, but it does give you opportunities for closure.

What do you say to the dying person? That question can cause you a lot of anxiety and may even be an excuse not to visit them. There are a number of things we think we should say to a dying loved one and even more things we believe that we shouldn't say. Here are some common beliefs and myths about talking to a dying person.

Many people find it helpful to plan the funeral well before the actual death occurs. Advance planning offers time and can often be done without extreme emotions. If the funeral planning is left to be done after death occurs, family members are often wrought with grief and find it difficult to think about the small details of the service.