Guidance for Visitors During Difficult Times
Start with Understanding
-Take a Breath & Let Go of all your Own Feelings
-Just Listen
-Meet that person where they are
-Hold space for all that comes up
Support by Listening
-The most important gift you can give this person is for them to feel heard & understood
-Help them feel respected & safe for all they need to share
-Remain non-judgmental
-Refrain from trying to solve the problem…just be with them
Hold Space for Grief
- Grief happens throughout an end of life journey
- They may be grieving a significant change such as:
• Loss of Ability or Function
• Changed Expectations of what they might be able to do in life
• Anticipatory grief over what is coming
- Take time to honor all the emotions that are part of the grieving process