Do’s and don’ts when a loved one is dying

Do’s and don’ts when a loved one is dying 
Psychology Today; by Jessica Schrader; 8/4/25 
In the not-so-distant 19th and early 20th centuries, death took place at home. Funeral parlors didn’t exist; the actual parlor in a home (usually the fanciest room) was used to lay out a dead loved one, conduct wakes, and so forth. Children grew up around death and were more comfortable with it than adults today. Currently, many adults have never even seen a dead or dying person.  That can make people so uncomfortable they avoid seeing their dying loved one or reaching out altogether. That may lead to regrets long after the loved one is gone. Healthy ways to avoid fears and regret are to gently confront your concerns, learn a few simple tactics, and offer presence and support instead. Here’s how: 

• Don’t stay silent, paralyzed because you don’t know what to do or say. ...
• Do be honest and make your struggle transparent: “I’m so sorry, I’m not sure what to say or I’m afraid it will be wrong. ...
• [Continue reading for more Do's and Don'ts]