This is a critical part of elder care that most people don’t recognize. Just having a normal conversation with someone who is near the end of their life has a positive effect. A big change is coming, a change they have no control over and that’s uncomfortable for anyone. Talking about the weather, what they are having for dinner, anything normal significantly reduces anxiety.
I spend time with a lot of elderly and even a 30 minute conversation can soothe anxious feelings. Listening and interacting without offering solutions seems to work best for me. Practicing “feel, felt, found” without saying “I know what you are going through” because we don’t, often creates a net positive in their temporary mood.
