What if You’re Worried about Saying Something Wrong?
It’s perfectly normal to be worried about what you say to your senior at the end of her life. This is a complicated time and you may have a lot that you haven’t known how to approach with her. That feeling that time is running out can make you feel as if you have to say something, even if it isn’t exactly what you wanted to say.
It Is Difficult to Talk to People You’re Losing
When you’re losing someone, there may not feel as if there’s anything that you can say. Reliving happy memories can help, but even that can be difficult. It can be worse if some of the relationships involved have been difficult or have experienced turmoil. Families are complicated and that can lead to complications when a family member is passing away.
Being Afraid Can Make Things More Awkward
Being afraid that you’re going to say something wrong can make everything more awkward and difficult than it already is. You may have some important things you want to say to your elderly family members, but it might feel as if this isn’t the time. Or you might be concerned you’re completely running out of time to say the things you’ve been holding back.
You May Not Need to Talk at All
As much as it might feel as if you should be talking or that you have to say something, it’s important to note that you don’t necessarily need to be talking at all. You can follow your senior’s lead on this. If she’s not up for many conversations, she may simply need for you to be there with her. That alone can be a huge comfort for her.
Bereavement Counseling Can Help a Lot
Very often that urge to say something, even if you don’t know what to say, is connected to the grieving process. Talking to a bereavement counselor can help you to understand what it is that you’re trying to process and what needs to happen next for you. Hospice care providers can connect you with grief counselors who can help you to determine what it is that you really should say and what you can say.
At the end of your senior’s life there may still be so much you want to say. It’s up to you how those conversations ultimately go, but having some help determining what feels right for you can make the process a little easier.
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