Spiritual and cultural issues

The person you care for may have spiritual needs that are just as important as their physical needs. These may not be religious concerns as such but might include finding meaning in one’s life and ending disagreements with others. The person might find peace by resolving unsettled issues with friends or family. Visits from a social care worker or counsellor may help with this. 

However, the person you care for may find comfort in their faith. Praying, talking with someone from one’s religious community (such as a minister, priest, rabbi, or imam), reading religious texts, or listening to religious music may bring comfort.

An outline of spiritual and religious practices (PDF) relating to end of life care and different faiths.  

1. Talk to the person about the importance of your relationship with them. If caring for a parent you may want to share how they have influenced the course of your life. If you are a grandchild you can let your grandparent know how much they have meant to you. If you are a friend you can talk about how you have valued years of support and friendship. Family and friends who can’t be present could send a recording of what they would like to say or a letter to be read out loud.
2. Even if the person is unconscious, some doctors think it is possible for the person to still be able to hear. It is therefore never too late to share your good memories or feelings about the person.
3. Always talk to the person who is dying and not about them to others when you go into the room. Always identify yourself when you go into the room. 
4. Even if the person has been confused there may be times when they are lucid, although this does not mean they are getting any better. Use these times to talk with them about your good memories and feelings and even write down some of what they say. 
5. If the person seems to be talking to someone who is not there avoid trying to interrupt or say they are imagining things as they need space to experience their own reality.