Chapter 4: Conversations at the end of life

Key ideas

  • Talking with the dying person can be difficult.
  • Think about what you would like to say and think about what is realistic to expect given your history.
  • Find out how much information the person wants about their illness.
  • Consider whether withholding information that a person is dying is a good decision. Keeping secrets can increase anxiety.
  • Help someone with delirium by providing a calm environment.
  • There will probably be unfinished business; find a way to say what matters most.