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RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES FOR THE DYING RESIDENT
 Pet Therapy - a visit from a facility pet, bird, or an animal from an animal visitation program can bring incredible happiness and comfort. If the resident’s bed is near a window, a bird feeder is a wonderful passive hobby. A birthbath outside can also provide hours of interesting viewing. A fish tank is also a valuable asset. These can provide topics of conversation for the resident, staff and visitors, as well as benefits of mental stimulation, and in turn, relaxation.
- Art Therapy - When working with a resident who has a terminal illness and not actively dying, you might provide them with activities they enjoy, such as drawing, needlework, painting, craft projects or puzzles.
- Religion or spirituality - Have a variety of religious items, reading materials, Bibles, etc. available. Contact appropriate clergy and volunteers to provide services, communion, visits, etc.
- Music Therapy - When someone is actively dying, the music that should be played should be Yanni, Enya, New Age Music, Nature Sounds (wind, water, bird songs). You DO NOT want to play recognizable songs when someone is dying. DON'T play the radio - songs/talk shows. The music should be improvised and arrhythmic. You don't want to "bring the person back”.
- Live music can: reduce blood pressure, accelerate physical healing, stimulate memories, relieve anxiety, induce mental imaging, reduce stress, facilitate the transition process of the dying, augment pain management, provide an outlet for grieving, and relieve body tension.
- Other activities may include Reminiscence, Life Review, Relaxation Techniques, Aromatherapy, and Guided Imagery.
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Donalyn Gross’ 30 year career as a Thanatologist includes working with hospitals, hospice, correctional systems, and long term care facilities. An Adjunct Professor, she teaches college courses in Death and Dying, and offers training workshops for healthcare professionals. The author of several books, therapeutic music CD’s, and a video, she is the creator of the Good Endings® Program (www.goodendings.net).
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