1. Life
2. End of Life

Dealing With Death

• Interview - Talking With David Kuhl

  David Kuhl, author of What Dying People Want, offers advice on how to have meaningful discussions with parents before they die.

Questions & Answers

• Question - How do I help my 90-year-old father face end of life issues?

  Unanswered. Can you help?

• Question - How do I encourage my mom to continue to want to live?

  When giving up is “all in the mind,” there may be clinical help, but you may also simply have to accept the process.

• Question - How can I help my father cope with the grief of my mother passing away?

  When weighing some caretaking decisions for someone in assisted living, seek the advice of those who see the resident daily.

• Question - How do I help my mother cope with my father's death?

  The best way to help your mother grieve your father's death may be by helping her recall the good memories.

• Question - Can you provide me with a list of "end of life" questions to address with my family?

  A comprehensive list for end of life questions will be appearing soon; in the meantime, this site can help provide some structure for your discussions.

• Question - How do I talk to my elderly father about dying?

  To get guidance about how to talk with a parent about dying, pay attention to what you learned about his or her comfort level during past conversations.

• Question - How do we deal with my father-in-law's denial that his wife is dying?

  Sometimes family members who are in denial about an impending death may listen more directly to a more objective person, such as a doctor.

• Question - How can I comfort my dying mother who is still holding on for dear life?

  Help with dealing with feelings of helplessness while witnessing a death often come from those close at hand: hospice workers.

• Question - Why am I taking my brother's death harder than the rest of the family?

  Allow yourself to grieve in your own unique way – and turn to resources for help if you would find that soothing.

• Question - Is there a best way to have a memorial service before my husband's death?

  Here’s an idea worth considering: Hold a memorial service before a person dies, while he or she can enjoy the event and feel honored by it.

• Question - When is it a good time to talk to a spouse who has cancer about a will?

  This question has been answered by a Community Member

• Question - My mother doesn't want to know how long she has to live, so how do I say the things I need to say before it's too late?

  This question has been answered by a Caring.com Expert and a Community Member

• Question - How can I convince my dying mother to write a "goodbye" letter to her grandchildren?

  How can I convince my dying mother to write a goodbye letter to her grandchildren? A goodbye letter would create sustaining memories for the children.

Tips & Reflections

• Reflection - What I Wish I'd Known About Talking to a Dying Parent: Palliative Care Doctor David Kuhl

  David Kuhl, author of What Dying People Want, reflects on why parents need to have meaningful discussions with their children before they die.