Preparing for Death and Helping the Dying

Thus one of the most important skills in helping
a dying person is to try to understand what their
needs are, and do what we can to take care of these.
We can best do this by putting aside our own needs
and wishes whenever we visit them, and make up
our mind to simply be there for them, ready to do
whatever has to be done, whatever will help them
to be more comfortable, happy and at peace.
There are many excellent books available on how
to care for a dying person in terms of their physical
and emotional needs (see the recommended reading
list). Here we will focus on the spiritual needs
and how to provide for these.
WORKING ON OUR OWN EMOTIONS
As mentioned above, when people approach death
they will at times experience disturbing emotions
such as fear, regret, sadness, clinging to the people
and things of this life, and even anger. They may
have difficulty coping with these emotions, and may
find themselves overwhelmed, as if drowning in
them. What is helpful to them during these difficult
times is to sit with them, listen compassionately
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