Be honest

Be real. Stay with the present and be down to earth.

Allow the patient to set the pace.

Keep the patient’s needs central to the decision that are taken.

Enable the family to get involved.

Allow the patient to review his or her life.

Encourage expressions of fears.

Understand and be sensitive to the emotional stages in the process of dying (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance).

Be kind, warm, patient, and gentle in approach.

Be ready to get support for yourself.