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The familiar song

Illustrated Story B45, with a text transcript.

Includes end-of-life care

Read story B45: The familiar song (image and text)
Four-panel illustrated story, The familiar song. Winnie, an older white woman, has delirium while dying from advanced heart failure in a hospice. Her granddaughter asks about singing a familiar song. She sings softly while the nurse checks comfort. Winnie seems more settled for a while, with care continuing. No lyrics are printed and no cure is implied. Footer: During delirium, offer familiar comfort and watch the response.

A person with delirium may find a familiar voice, song or quiet presence comforting, including near the end of life, but people respond differently.

Check with the person and staff where possible, watch the response and stop if it seems unwelcome or tiring. Comforting contact is one part of care. It does not replace treatment or mean that delirium has ended. Families can help without having to make every moment better.

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Story text

  1. Panel 1. Winnie has delirium while dying from advanced heart failure.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Anna: Would a song she knows be welcome?

  3. Panel 3. Anna sings softly and watches Winnie’s response.

  4. Panel 4. A quieter moment. Care continues.

Bottom band. During delirium, offer familiar comfort and watch the response.

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