Things You Shouldn’t Say to Those with Terminal Illness

We understand how visiting a loved one with a terminal illness requires you to be careful with everything you will do or say to them. Although we just want to support them, sometimes it cannot be avoided that we tend to say some things that might actually hurt them emotionally or make them feel uncomfortable.

If you are about to visit a loved one who is undergoing Hospice and Palliative Care, make sure to always think twice about what you’re going to say to them and, as much as possible, avoid saying the following:

• Don’t just focus on their illness, and don’t make any assumptions.
• Don’t describe them as “dying,” and stop using the word “dying” in front of them.
• Don’t ask them the question, “how are you?” Instead, say, “how are you feeling?”
• Don’t wait for them to ask, and don’t say things like, “let me know if you need anything.”

Here at Bonum Hospice Services, a trusted provider of Hospice Care in Burbank, California, we provide the caring and compassionate assistance that families need when confronting a terminal illness that limits their loved ones’ years. In such circumstances, we focus on making life meaningful instead of pursuing curative treatments that are no longer effective for the patient’s health situation.

If you wish to know more about us and our Palliative Services in California, please do not hesitate to reach us anytime.