Calzaretto Chiropractic Center

17 Natural Ways to Comfort
Your Loved One Who is Sick or Dying

The person who is sick or dying has simple yet special needs. All of their senses are extremely heightened so they are very sensitive to most things. You can offer modest measures that can be very effective.

Anyone can easily offer comfort and care to their loved ones in this situation.

Please do not underestimate the impact of these
~17 Natural Ways~

1. Clear and straighten the environment
A cluttered environment creates obstacles for movement and can be an unknown source of stress. Have bedsides and surrounding area clear from unnecessary clutter.

2. Control the room Temperature
Most people who are sick or dying have lowered body temperature. A warmer environment or an extra blanket can make a difference in comfort levels.

3. Adjust the lighting in the room
Offer soft diffuse preferable natural light during the day and low lighting in the evening. Avoid a dark environment.

4. Place meaningful mementos and photos of loves ones within their view
The meaning of momentous occasions and loved ones are often the most important things to people when they are sick or dying. Objects and photos that represent people and occasions are a great comfort.

5. Lightly spray or diffuse essential oils in their environment
Essential oils such as lavender and citrus can have a calming and peaceful effect. Mix a few drops with distilled water in a spray bottle to spray the air, or diffuse with a cold air diffuser made specifically for aromatherapy use. Be certain not to use perfume or perfume grade oils. Use only therapeutic grade essential oils. To create a more spiritual environment, use oils from ancient scripture such as Frankincense.

6. Play soft music or natural sounds
Pleasant natural sounds can offer comfort. Singing birds or running water can be a source of peaceful relaxation. Use music that is soft and unobtrusive.

7. Use clean soft cotton sheets on bedding
Using 100 percent cotton sheets that have a high thread count are gentler on the body than sheets that have polyester. Cotton sheets breathe more than other materials and are more comfortable to the person who is sick or dying, especially if they are having fluctuations in body temperature. The most ideal sheets to use are organic cotton with a high thread count.

8. Wipe face and eyes with warm, moistened, soft washcloth
This can feel so wonderful to the person who is bedridden. Offer it more than once or twice a day.

9. Help them to look presentable, and let them know that they do
No matter how sick someone is, and even if they are dying, there is a certain part of them that is still in touch with how they look to others. See that their hair Is combed and they are comfortably groomed for how they feel. Let them know that they look okay.

10. Offer Sips of water
Adequate hydration is a comfort measure as well as a physical need. People who are sick or dying are often not aware of their needs for fluids, and their thirst signals may not be as active. A well hydrated person, no matter what state of health they are in, is more comfortable.

11. Offer and provide Nourishment
When people are sick and dying they may not be in touch with their desire to eat. Nutrition is important for bodily functions. A well nourished person, at any state of health, is more comfortable.

12. Hold their Hand
Holding a persons hand who is sick or dying is a very simple yet powerful gesture to let them know that you are present with them.

13. Hold or rib their feet
Feet provide access to their entire body through reflex points. Whether you offer a gentle foot massage or just hold their feet- both offer comfort.

14. Clear their energy field
A simple measure of using your hands to clear and balance the energy field of the person who is sick or dying is frequently able to make someone from a level of discomfort to comfort. Place both of your hands approximately 3 inches off their body and move your hands In a short sweeping motions downwards. Start at the head and move toward the feet.

15. Gently brush their brow with a light touch
Touching someone’s forehead can offer great comfort to them. People often touch their own foreheads when they feel distressed or unwell. Using a gental touch to the forehead of someone who is sick or dying is a natural thing to do. Placing your hand and keeping it there, or lightly brushing their brow can offer comfort.

16. Listen
Listen to the words of the person who is sick or dying, and listen to the silence as well. Avoid being overly talkative to them just to fill in the quite gaps.

17. Create and maintain harmonious
The person who is sick or dying is very sensitive to the energy between people in their own environment. Work to create and maintain harmony among family members and friends, especially those people in their immediate environment.

(By: Marilee Tolen RN, HNC founder of Peaceful Passages)