Guidelines for supporting the dying and their families

Guidelines for supporting the dying and their families 
Psychiatric Times; by Ken Druck, PhD; 9/19/24 
There are few subjects that most of us, including those who work in mental health, avoid more than death and dying. Meeting the needs of the dying and their families requires a deep and clear understanding of competent and compassionate care for health care professionals and caregivers. Since the death of my 21-year-old daughter several decades ago, I have had the honor and privilege of helping countless individuals, families, and communities that have suffered losses. I have also been given the opportunity to teach and train mental health professionals and developed several programs and guidelines for supporting the dying and their families. My top 7 guidelines to share with patients and their families are as follows:

1. Show up. ...
2. Establish agreements, ground rules, and set a tone of cooperation and civility. ...
3. Get professional help from skilled and trustworthy counselors and confidants. ...
4. Make time with lawyers, financial advisers, and clinicians to prepare for what is coming. ...
5. Take time to calm fears and anxieties about death and dying. ...
6. Find good quality palliative or hospice care. ...
7. Honor the wishes of the dying person and their family. ...