A care-giving dilemma

Your very ill mother is in your care. One day her beloved son dies. Mother has so many problems now, should you tell her about the son?

The answer, from Geri Hall — an Alzheimer speaker and author — is yes.

Quoted in caring.com, Hall says a fundamental truth is that a patient always has the right to know.

The way you tell a patient (or anyone) matters. Have the conversation in a quiet room, free from distractions. Be close. Take the patient’s hand.

Tell the news simply and honestly. Use direct language: Mom, Steve has died.
Don’t be afraid of tears or grieving. Help the process along by reminiscing about the person.