196 Where There Is No Dentist 2012
Helping People with HIV
in Your Community
As a dental worker or health worker, you can make a great difference in the
well-being of both the person with HIV and his or her family. Take a special
interest in them and help them find ways to get the care and companionship
they need.
Care During the Final Days
During the final days of their illness, most people with AIDS prefer to be at
home with their families. Both the sick person and the family need a lot of
care and help during this time. This includes care for health problems and
personal needs, as well as help with social and legal issues.
You can support the family if you organize volunteers in the community to:
• provide food and cook meals.
• help with daily household chores.
• look after babies and children whose parents are dying,
or who may have already died.
• help with funeral arrangements.
It may also help to ask other family members, friends, or a religious leader to
visit the family and the person who is dying. This support can help the sick
person to die with dignity, and the family to cope with losing a loved one.