Seeing into a situation can help. It all depends on what stage the ill person is living in. Sometimes the person wants to seriously avoid the topic altogether and they like things around them to proceed as if nothing untoward is happening in their life. Sometimes they say that but they really want people around them and they might accept help if they feel it is needed.

In my opinion, we boomers are in a good position to assess the needs of those who are termnally ill, since we are now approaching our own mortality too.

"I'm here for you."

"Here is my number in case you need me to run an errand or just to stop by."

"I love you."

When words seem useless, sometimes a simple hug (physical contact) means so much to one who feels already dead.