Back to Resources

Reaching Out…Ways to Help Others Experiencing a Serious, Life-limiting Illness

It’s never easy to learn that someone you care about is going through a serious, life-limiting illness. It’s just as hard to know what to say or do.

Download PDF

Jan 30, 2020

#1 Be a good listener… Don’t always feel that you need to talk. You can just sit quietly together, which says you care.

#2 Don’t avoid the patient… but continue to be the friend or family member you have always been.

#3 Remember caregivers need support, too… Offer to stay with the patient to give them a break.

#4 Keep in touch… Send a card or a note just to say you care or are thinking about them.

#5 Share inspirational thoughts… Bring a book, poem, music, artwork or any special treat.

#6 Help with simple chores… Offer transportation for a doctor’s appointment, shopping or other family needs.

#7 Keep them in touch… Bring magazines, newspapers, photos, and news to keep your loved one from feeling the world is passing them by.

#8 Don’t be afraid to share emotions… Whether laughter, tears, or fears, be sensitive to others feelings.

It’s never easy to learn that someone you care about is going through a serious, life-limiting illness. It’s just as hard to know what to say or do.

More than half of all Americans will have a loved one – family member or dear friend – diagnosed with a terminal illness in the coming year. Because of feeling awkward or uncertain, we may decide to do nothing or avoid the situation, which can only add to the challenges for the patient.

Can Hospice help you and your family? Hospice of the Piedmont offers a medically-directed team of professionals to care for a patient’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs during the last stages of serious illness. Grief support is also available for family members of all ages. Call for more information.

Your entire team was amazing. They are very professional in their work but also have big hearts and it comes through in how they do their work and in their positive attitudes.

- Daughter of patient

Thank you for making your home like her home, warm and comfortable.

- Sister of a patient (in reference to Hospice Home)

Your kindness and efforts go far beyond the patients and extend to their families and friends.

- Family of a patient

Everyone who cared for my wife was, without exception, caring, kind, and exceptionally capable individuals who seemed to truly care about her well-being and care.

- Husband of a patient

Your staff (at Hospice Home) was confident, thoughtful, kind and very loving to my mom. When we couldn’t be there or take care of her needs, you took care of her.

- Son of a patient

My mother spent her last days in your facility. I want to thank you for the gifts you gave to her and our family. The dignity, caring, professionalism, and kindness will remain a bright part of our saying goodbye to our mother.

- Daughter of a patient

My family and I would not have made it without Hospice.

- Daughter of a patient

For many veterans, military service is the most important thing that they have done in their lives.” As part of We Honor Veterans, those patients are now paired with a volunteer who also served in the military and share a common bond.

- Joe Lyons, Hospice volunteer

Thank you for all of your care, concern, education and kindness during Mom’s last year. My grief journey has had a lighter backpack because of Hospice.

- A patient’s daughter

Their touch, their time, their words were the comfort of a lifetime.

- A patient’s family

We were privileged to have the support of (Hospice)…They nurtured and cared for my husband as if he was their only patient.

- Wife of a patient

Me consuela saber que mi esposa tuvo los mejores cuidados gracias a Hospice. La ayudaron a ella y a nuestra familia en todas las maneras posibles.

- Marido de un paciente

I thank God for putting good people in the right job for people like me.

- Patient family member

We were so impressed by your staff and your desire to help us. No one wants to need Hospice, but when a person does, it is a tremendous blessing. Thanks again for the care you gave my dad, and ultimately all of us.

- Daughter of a patient

I would like to say that you have a beautiful Hospice Home. It is so nice and serene. I love the “quiet spots” that you can go to and meditate. Thank you so much in helping make my mother’s last days on this earth a little better and comforting.

- Daughter of a patient