Ask to see the photo.

Often the person lying in the hospital bed isn’t the same person family members remember. When they close their eyes, they see someone younger, happier, more active, laughing, playing with grandkids, relaxing on vacation. Often there’s a favorite photo, or a photo that best captures the patient’s “true self.” Their real identity. Their values.

Ask to see the photo. It could mean the world to the family that you cared to see their loved one as they see their loved one. And it’ll help you get to know your patient’s unfiltered values that much better.