Try to put yourself in their shoes

Help them to express suppressed emotions and feelings. Share in their pain and fear. Being aware of the commonality of suffering and fear helps people to endure their pain and develop compassion. Allow the person to take care of their unfinished business.

Help them to work through their fears of pain, fears of separation, fears of the unknown, knowing all the time, that you share in these same fears and that one day, you, yourself, will be lying there instead of them, looking up into someone else’s eyes—hopefully eyes of love, understanding and peace.

Comfort them in small ways: adjusting their pillow, wiping their forehead, holding their hand, but do not impose your kindness upon them. The way you do things is very important - be guided by their needs. Touch is important: a simple hand or foot massage can mean so much.