This tells you about some things that can be helpful if someone you know is going to die.
You can also find out how you can get support.
How can I help myself?
You might want to spend time with the person before they die.
Spending time with them will give you time to say goodbye and understand what is happening.
You may want time to talk about anything special or important to you both.
You might want to start preparing for important things that will happen.
Knowing that someone you know is going to die can take up a lot of energy because it is often very upsetting.
Sometimes there can be extra pressures to cope with.
The extra pressures could be changes to where you live or in your daily life.
It may help if you wait before you make big changes in your life.
How can I get support?
You might want to talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling.
They may be able to help you cope.
Useful resources
Beyond Words Books
Beyond Words Books tell stories of important and often difficult life themes, including death and bereavement, in pictures.
Dealing with a Bereavement
The Mencap website has some useful resources for families, carers and people with learning disabilities dealing with bereavement.
It also has an easy-read guide to using GriefChat, a free service where you can talk to a specially trained bereavement counsellor online.
Macmillan Cancer Information and Support
You can access easy read booklets using simple language and pictures from the Macmillan Cancer support website.
If you want to talk to someone about cancer and your feelings, you can also call Macmillan on 0808 8080000
Respond Helpline
Support people with learning disabilities, their carers, and professionals around any issue of trauma, including bereavement. Helpline: 0808 8080700
Cruse Bereavement Care
The national organisation for bereaved people.
Contact Cruse Bereavement Care, Cruse House, 126 Sheen Road, Surrey TW9 1UR.
Helpline: 0808 8081677
Our website
For information about our trust services, or general information on conditions and treatments and organisations offering support, please explore our website.
This information is one in a series of three:
- Leaflet 1: L562E Someone I know is going to die.
- Leaflet 2: L561E Someone I know has died.
- Leaflet 3: L560E Someone I know has died and they are going to have a funeral.
Feedback
Please let your care team know if you want to comment on whether:
- this information is useful
- any information is missing
- you do not understand the information
Do you have concerns or complaints?
If you have concerns or complaints about a service, you can:
- tell a member of staff
- call our complaints team – freephone 0800 052 0219
- email [email protected]
Information in other languages and formats
All our website and leaflet information can be made available in many formats. Please ask a member of staff if you would like this information in another language, large print, audio or braille.
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