How Do You Cheer Up a Terminally Ill Person?

It is a fact that dealing with the news of a loved one having a terminal illness is exasperating. It is human nature to always want an explanation and find solutions to things, but we feel helpless and hopeless in hearing something like this. As such, many people react differently to this news. Some may avoid the patient and live in denial, while others fail to give the person adequate care and support. Most people fail to realize that a terminally ill person, such as someone going through motor-neurone-disease palliative care, is still the same person before being diagnosed.The sick person might be unable to take care of themselves or need more help, but they are still family. It is pertinent to ensure that you spend time with them and encourage them to feel as though the problem isn’t as bad. This could give them the will to live and the strength to fight.

However, even with all the love you have for them, it may not be enough. You may need assistance in taking care of them. In recent times, there is a noticeable increase in the number of hospices like SilverStone Hospice, where you can admit your terminally ill loved ones. These facilities are specially designed and equipped to provide adequate care and treatment. This will bring peace, especially when you know that your ill loved one has sufficient companionship and care. 

Cheering your loved one who is terminally ill can be emotionally demanding. On one hand, you are concerned for them; on the other hand, you don’t want them to fall into a state of depression because of overthinking their situation. So what can you do to help? Below are a few suggestions on keeping them happy, in high spirits and how to help them take their mind off their illness. 

Chat With Them

If the terminally ill person hasn’t lost the ability to speak and think critically, engaging them in discussions about their favorite activities, movies, and stories from the past. While doing this, focus on the happy memories. Remind them of activities that made them feel proud, how they saved the day, or how they overcame the odds. You can also open up discussions about their work and love life. Centering discussions about happy memories will help to take their mind off their diagnosis. 

While engaging your terminally ill loved one in such discussions as this, be sure to avoid making false promises to them. You are welcome to encourage them to live their best life.

While chatting with them, you should also not lose touch with reality. If you find them flinching or uncomfortable, probe them to share their pain with you. You may be able to help with repositioning them if they suffer physical pain. You may also be of help to lighten their emotional burden. 

Allow your terminally ill loved ones the opportunity to talk. Let them share as much as they feel comfortable sharing. You should also pay attention to the detail of the information being shared. From your discussions, you may be able to pick a few activities that they wish to relive before it is too late. Listening allows you to pick up on this information and work towards making it a reality for them.

Read Books to Them

If your terminally ill loved one is an avid book reader,  you could read to them. For people confined to a bed due to the critical nature of their health, reading to them helps their imagination wander, giving them a nostalgic and euphoric feeling. Pick up books from some of their favorite authors and make time to read to them. Doing this helps to engage their mind and helps you form a special bond with them during these moments. 

If the terminally ill loved one can talk, you can take turns discussing the characters in the literature, what they could have done right, how the book could have been improved, and other topics. 

Engage Them With Different Activities

If your terminally ill loved one isn’t in a vegetative state, there are considerable activities you can engage in with them. However, remember that they may not be as strong as you are. If you are taking a walk with them, slow your pace and take frequent breaks. Also, make sure that they have access to plenty of fluids and avoid overexerting them. If you have chosen a mental activity like the game of chess, be prepared to give them time to take breaks. If they love to dance, pop in a vinyl record and challenge them to the dance floor. Remember, it’s not about the game or activity. It’s about spending time with them and making them feel loved and wanted.

It is easy to lose track of what is important in times like this, and your actions should remind them that they are loved and cherished. This can help them to bear the burden of their situation better.