Communication
By: Lysa Toye MSW, RSW, DipEXAT (An explanatory note: Adults caring for children are not always their parents. They may be grandparents, aunts and uncles, siblings or foster parents - particularly when the person in a family who is dying, or... read more...
By: Brenda Hearson RN, MN, CHPCN(C), CNS and Cornelius Woelk MD, CCFP, FCFP Good communication is an important part of good health care. Some people find it hard to talk to their doctor or health care team, especially about serious illness or... read more...
By: CVH Team Visits from friends can be uplifting, both for the person who is ill and their families. However, as the person becomes weaker, or as caregiving becomes more demanding, families may not have enough energy to meet with visitors. read more...
By: Susan McClement RN, PhD and Simone Stenekes RN, MN, CHPCN(C), CNS Explaining the serious illness of a family member or friend to a child or youth can seem overwhelming. Adults who are themselves feeling emotions related to a family member’s... read more...
By: Andrea Warnick RN, MA Parents want to protect their children from emotional pain and suffering. This natural parental urge can be difficult to balance with the desire to be honest and upfront about harsh realities, such as talking about... read more...
By: CVH Team You may be nervous about talking to someone who is not expected to live much longer. The big question is often whether to be up front and talk about the illness or try to ignore it. The best advice is to be yourself. Be open to... read more...
By: Glen R. Horst MDiv, DMin, BA Knowing what to say to someone who is dying and when to say it can be difficult. The following tips may be useful at any point during a serious illness, but especially when the person is not expected to live... read more...
When someone you know dies, you are affected in one way or another. The depth of your relationship with the person who has died or their family or friends affects how you might offer support. By offering condolences, or expressions of comfort... read more...