How to Prepare Yourself for a Loved One’s Death

Preparing for a loved one’s death is an uncomfortable and distressing thought that we often brush under the carpet. However, the unpleasant reality is that most of us will, at some stage in our lives, have to prepare ourselves and our family for the death of a loved one.

It’s important to remember that grieving is a healthy part of life and will help you to find closure. Losing a loved one may not be easy, but being close to family members and reminiscing over the positive memories you all share can help you feel connected to your loved one again.

Communicate with your support system

If you know your time with a loved one is coming to an end, make sure to communicate with your support system. Surround yourself with friends and family who care and will make the process a little easier. Take the time to speak with family, friends, your boss, and co-workers ahead of time to let them know what you’re going through. By making them aware of what is happening they can prepare themselves to be the support you’ll need. 

Death is something that affects everyone and it is likely that those in your support system have been through it before. Although you won’t, of course, know specific dates, if you are expecting an upcoming loss, your employees can accommodate your needs.

Planning their final arrangements

Funerals can be confusing and expensive but planning ahead of time and preparing yourself financially can be beneficial. Do not be afraid to reach out and ask for help if you feel like you need it. Funeral directors can provide this support before and during the process, so we advise you look for one that suits your needs.

If your loved one has not already expressed their end of life wishes, it can be helpful to have this talk with them, but don’t try to force the subject. Instead, ask some questions about their life and memories.

What to expect in the final days

When death is close, it’s common for a person to change and lose interest in eating and drinking. If this happens don’t feel the need to force them to eat or drink, this can often be a sign that the individual is preparing to die. Speech may also be difficult and slow for them, so don’t take it personally if they don’t feel like socializing, especially if they are feeling weak or fatigued.

Prepare yourself for your loved one to spend a lot of time sleeping and becoming unresponsive. Do your best to be there with them, hold their hand, speak softly and gently to them. Remember just because they’re unresponsive, doesn’t mean they can’t hear you. They might be confused and disoriented at times, so identifying yourself by name first when you speak can be helpful to them. Be in the moment with them and cherish these times.

When the time finally comes, and your loved one passes away, take the time to come to terms with this yourself prior to finalizing any arrangements. You do not need to set up the funeral straight away, allow you and your family some time to process.

Photo | Pixabay

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