The reality that a family member has limited time left to live can be difficult to accept. As humans, we have this inborn nature of wanting to solve every problem and situation, so when we can't do anything to save a dying loved one, it can be painfully frustrating. We may even lack what to say to the dying and may choose to avoid them out of helplessness. 

Still, a patient under palliative care can benefit from fun, memorable activities shared with family. Depending on their condition and abilities, you may want to create a bucket list of things to do with a loved one before they die. 

Can you think of any fun things to do with a dying loved one? We understand the delicate nature of the situation and would love to provide some inspiration. Here are 20+ activities for terminally ill patients. 

20+ Fun Activities To Share With Dying Loved One 

After receiving their terminal prognosis, your loved one may have a bucket list of things they want to accomplish before they sign out. If not, you could inspire them with these ideas, which hopefully will leave them with a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. 

Creative Activities To Do With Terminally Ill Patients

If the loved one is in good shape physically and mentally, you could encourage them to express themselves through art therapy. Activities like drawing, painting or sculpting can be therapeutic, not to mention the outcomes will make excellent souvenirs for the surviving family. 

Remember, though, that art therapy can only be successful if the loved one is creative or possesses some artistry. You can even encourage them to engage in knitting, beading, or similar simple crafts. 

If they're into books, journaling their thoughts and feelings allows them to release their emotions and document their memories. You can participate in these activities and provide guidance and support as necessary so they don't feel overwhelmed. Plus, doing everything together allows you to bond as a family during the final days. 

Entertainment Activities for Terminally Ill Patients

Other exciting activities your dying loved one would enjoy are game nights. These include board games and card games, which you can participate in together as a family. Alternatively, organize movie nights and watch their favorite show or series. Be sure to avoid movies with extreme violence or uncomfortable scenes. Include pillows and blankets to make the atmosphere cozy and comfortable. If screen time is not viable, play their favorite playlists, sit with them, and provide company. 

Fun Outdoor Experiences For Dying Loved Ones

Outdoor experiences can be therapeutic and deeply satisfying. If the patient can move physically, allow them to enjoy those moments spent with flowers, herbs, and other garden plants. Organize a gardening session where you plant, weed, or prune your plants and let the patient enjoy the fresh air and beauty of nature. 

Go for Nature Walks 

If gardening is not an option, short nature walks are another rewarding alternative. Go for short, slow walks through a nature reserve or public park. It's a great opportunity for the patient to appreciate the sights and sounds of their surroundings while they still can. 

While at it set up a special picnic lunch in a tranquil location and enjoy the quality time you spend together. 

If time, resources, and circumstances allow, organize for them to visit local attraction sites and historical landmarks within your hometown. Your loved one will not only enjoy being a local tourist, but the experience will be rewarding and evoke a sense of belonging. For these particular trips, it's best to bring extended family or friends to make the experience more fun and interactive. 

Go On A Secret Adventure

Ask the patient about that secret adventure they've always wanted to go on. You'd be surprised what silly or wild ideas they've been dying to try but were either embarrassed or scared to try. Encourage them to let go of their fears and achieve their desires while they can. 

Do they want a ride in a hot air balloon? Go on a ghost tour? Escape to some island for a few days? You don't know what happy memories you'll create if you let them have their last wish fulfilled. 

Take a Short Road Trip

Still on adventures, living in hospice can be confining and boring. No one wants just to stay indoors waiting for their death. If their condition allows, get the doctor's permission to go on a short drive around town. A road trip offers the opportunity for sightseeing and can inspire deep conversations where your loved one gets to express their thoughts and feelings on their impending demise. 

Go Virtual

Perhaps the patient cannot leave the bed and go on that secret adventure. If so, you can still take the adventure to their bedside. If they enjoy swimming and want to take several dives before the ultimate dive, you can bring the swimming pool to them. Or if they love skiing or ice skating, you can organize for them to enjoy it right where they are. How? Virtual reality. It's not exactly the same thing, but it's the closest they'll get to fulfilling their wishes. 

Make Memories Together 

Think of memorable activities like creating a memory box filled with sentimental items such as:

• Photos
• Gifts 
• Jewelry 
• Letters
• Mementos 
• Journal 
• Scrapbook 

A memory box can contain bits and pieces of the family history which can be preserved as a legacy for the next 

generation. 

Laugh It All Out

According to a new study, laughter can impact terminally ill patients in significant positive ways. Just because the candle is about to go off doesn't mean you can't find something to laugh about. Find ways to bring laughter into your loved one's life and brighten their last days with joy. You can organize a comedy night with humorous films or a stand-up comedian. You might even want to arrange laughter yoga sessions to improve their well-being and relieve the stress of sickness and pain. 

Get Spiritual

This is the most essential of all activities. When our mortality is imminent, our focus shifts to our spirituality and the hereafter. That's why having a terminal diagnosis can be a blessing in disguise. It allows us to not only set our affairs in order but also make peace with our Maker. 

It allows us to examine our spiritual health and stability. 

For the religious, it's an opportunity to draw closer to God and prepare for eternity. Prayer and meditation sessions allow the dying to reevaluate their beliefs and values. Use the opportunity to conduct Bible study sessions, group sing-alongs, and other spiritually uplifting activities.

Go Physical 

Some people love a gentle touch. It could be holding their hand, having their hair combed, or having their body nourished with body oil. Some prefer a body massage, which is especially beneficial for their ailing selves. If the patient loves such ministering, you can do whatever is appropriate to make them comfortable. 

However, for massage therapy, organize a professional massage session administered by a licensed therapist to release discomfort and help them relax. You can also give them a hand and foot massage with essential oils from time to time. 

If physical therapy is not an option, try moisturizing their lips instead. You can also feed them their favorite meal, prop them with enough pillows, and do just about anything to make them feel loved and comfortable. 

Celebrate Their Lives

This can be difficult because it's like they're attending their own funeral while still alive. However, if they and the entire family have made peace with everything, you can organize a celebration of life, where friends and family will gather one last time to celebrate their well-lived life. Consider it a thanksgiving party where everyone gets to tell the loved one's story and how their life impacted them. You can share tributes, serve special meals, and take pictures for the memories.

Say Goodbye

This is the hardest thing to do when a loved one is dying. It's not fun, it's sad, it's emotional and heartbreaking, but if done right, it can be memorable. Just remember that everyone, including the patient, is aware of the reality of the situation. The end is near, so if they're okay with it, you can say your goodbyes. There'll be tears, and that's okay. You can talk to them, reaffirm your love for them, hug them, and tell them how much you'll miss them. 

Tips for Planning Memorable Activities for Dying Loved One

Before you plan a list of things to do with the terminally ill family member, be sure only to include things that are doable under the circumstances. You also want to factor in the time and finances. Since you'll also have to plan a funeral at some point in the future, you want to be mindful of your budget and all prevailing factors. Here are some quick tips for creating a workable bucket list. 

Set Achievable Goals

If your loved one in palliative care is incapacitated or has mobility issues, consider whether purchasing medical equipment like wheelchairs, crutches, etc.. is viable. Depending on their condition, you may want to focus only on sensible activities that are worth the risks. 

Don't Discourage Them

Your loved one may have unrealistic ideas on their bucket list that may not align with yours. While it's tempting to shoot down these ideas, remember they're on their deathbed, and it could be the last time they get to enjoy what they're asking for. Instead of discouraging them, consult with other family members and discuss how best to honor your loved one's wishes under the prevailing circumstances. For our loved ones, no wish is too hard if it's their last. 

Keep It Simple

End-of-life activities don't need to be strenuous, expensive, or time-consuming. Just keep each pursuit simple, fun, and memorable. The goal is to break the monotonous hospice routine, create memories, and give your loved ones that satisfying sense of achievement. 

Wrapping Up

Knowing that a family member is facing their mortality can be distressing. When someone we care about is on their last feet, it's okay to grieve when nothing can be done. Yet, against all pain, we can make their last days truly memorable with quality time and exciting activities. 

Caring for them physically, spiritually, and emotionally is a great way to create lasting memories that will outlive them. In this post, we've listed several practical things you can do with a dying loved one. However, it may also feel overwhelming and emotionally draining, which is why we recommend having a professional end-of-life coach guide you and your loved one through the end-of-life journey. Feel free to browse through our directory of professional death couches and contact a death doula near you today.