Sunset in the Himalayas

No disease makes one realise the fragility of life and the immediacy of death more than cancer. As the disease spreads through the body, the reality that life is now only a few thousand breaths and a few hundred days becomes excruciatingly clear. Not just the person afflicted with cancer but his family also undergoes with him a period of deep trauma and hardship, where there is physical agony and mental anguish.

Grief grows as death draws nearer. Counsellors and spiritual advisors become crucial at this time. Family, friends and staff can help patients by remaining calm and loving, and above all, by placing the needs of patients before their own. The dying are looking to the future, so it is important for loved ones not to hold them back by showing them fears they might harbour about their own futures. The main goal of all carers at this time should be that patients make this great transition with peace and clarity.

Bereavement
When a close relative dies, especially a partner or a child, it can be very difficult for the bereaved loved ones to cope. The bereaved find solace in talking about their departed loved ones.

When a close relative dies, especially a partner or a child, it can be very difficult for the bereaved loved ones to cope. Ganga Prem Hospice will provide bereavement services, which will continue as long as they are needed. The bereaved find solace in talking about their departed loved ones, so it is important that the staff and volunteers engaged in this service be prepared to listen with patience and sympathy for as long as the grieving relative needs to talk. In some cases there may be social and economic difficulties for the bereaved, especially when the departed relative was the only wage earner in the family. In these cases the bereavement services will include practical counselling and help to overcome these problems.

Spiritual Support can be an invaluable solace during the period of dying and bereavement.