Hello everyone:

A very dear friend of mine is going through the dying process with her mother. Her mom fell, broke her neck, and is completely paralyzed. She went from being a fairly healthy woman of 76 to completely dependent on others for everything in one moment. She cannot swallow and cannot be fed due to the possibility of aspirating her food. Decisions are being made based on what she had told her children when she was still fit. She also has dementia.

How do you comfort the caregivers and let them know you care for them? I have been hugging my friend at every opportunity and recently told her that “I am as close as your phone.”  Do you have any suggestions? I would love it if we could share how to support those we care about who are going through trials.

Best,

Dr. Sheri