Communication Tips To Consider for a Life Review

The following are some tips to consider when helping a patient create a life review.

• Try to be emotionally supportive. Serious illness can give rise to many different emotional responses.
• Let the patient do the talking, try not to interrupt.
• Ask open ended questions.
• Be encouraging and share your knowledge.
• Don’t be afraid of physical contact. A hug may be appropriate and appreciated.
• Continue interacting with the ill person the same way you have in the past.
• Call before you visit to make sure the time is convenient. Agree in advance to the length of the visit.
• Offer to stay with the person who is ill to give the caregiver a break.
• Don’t be afraid to talk. Ask if the person would like to talk about the illness. Respect the person’s wishes.
• Try to be positive in your conversation and attitude. Good spirits are catching.
• Talk about current events; it will help the person feel connected.
• Ask the person to share photographs and stories from life’s memorable times.
• Recognize that spiritual support is vital to many people.
• Ask how you can help accomplish something that is significant in the person’s life.
• Keep in mind that being genuine is most important in any gesture or offer to help.