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PHC Next Steps: Navigating the End of Life Journey Booklet ENGLISH

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5 Surroundings A peaceful environment can bring comfort to a loved one in their last days. If they prefer solitude, create a quiet room with warm lighting, soft music and photographs of family and friends. If your loved one enjoys the bustle of family, encourage relatives to gather and children to visit. Household pets have been known to stay close to the person who is dying. If they do not cause physical discomfort, pets can provide a calm support. If your loved one is in the hospital, ask their nurse what changes can be made to the room to make it more peaceful and comfortable. Withdrawal As your loved one's strength decreases, they will likely show less interest in activities, surroundings or people. They will likely limit interactions to just a few visitors. Know that your loved one may stop speaking in the final days. This is common in the dying process as is the beginning of letting go. It's natural for you to feel sad or even rejected if this happens. If you are a close family member or friend, your presence will continue to communicate your love and care. Because hearing remains until the end, speak in a calm, normal tone and know that you will be heard. If your loved one is sleeping, do not try to awaken them. Gentle touch becomes important now.

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