The mundane noises of a busy world are barely heard in the distance in a quiet room in a local hospital where the important sounds are rhythmic breathing of a 96-year-old patient drawing some of his last breaths of a big, full life. He might have a few days left or a few hours, but his time is almost up.

A nurse arrives between family visits. Expert actions flow in a single graceful motion as the nurse gently describes to the patient what they are doing as they adjust the pillow, give medicine in an IV port, and freshen up the individual to make them feel as comfortable as possible. There is no response except for a few moans when the nurse moves his arm. Maybe the patient is aware. There is evidence that hearing is the last sense to go before death. The patient is resting comfortably. His face is peaceful. Dignity is important, even when they do not talk.

When a caregiver gives good care to someone who cannot advocate for themselves such as unconscious people, small children, individuals with disabilities, and others, it reflects their character. Empathy is as important as other skills in good caregiving.

A Facebook post by a friend with chronic health problems who endures repeated procedures shares what it feels like to be a patient treated like an object. The post explains, “They no longer ask if I’m ok. I guess they figure I’ve had it done so many times, if I wasn’t ok, I’d speak up. I kind of miss the [other people] who used to work in there with the doctor. I still need TLC.”

Most people benefit from respectful tender loving care even if they do not ask for it. We know human connection helps healing, but illness impairs our ability to maintain connections. The patient role puts us at a disadvantage. Because we like to keep our dignity, we may act like we have no need. Therefore, it is especially important for health workers to promote person-to-person connection.

Modern health care is impressive. Technology and medicine are both necessary, but it takes humans who care about patient experience to turn medicine and treatments into good care. The healing power of human contact is not limited to healthcare providers.

Expert on human connection Leo Buscaglia once said, “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

A parent makes a big difference to a small child who scraped a knee by getting down to eye level and offering empathy and hope. We all can contribute to someone’s mental health by giving them kind words and offering gestures of kindness.