If a relative is sick and needs to sit shiva, how does he go about doing so if he cant keep it properly due to his illness?

How a sick person keeps Shiva-Keeping Shiva after being healed:[1] If one is sick, and is unable to keep Shiva properly, some Poskim[2] rule that he is to keep Shiva after he is healed. Other Poskim[3], however, rule he is to keep whatever customs of Shiva he is able, and is not required to make up the Shiva after he is healed. Others[4] rule that even if he was not in his right mind, and did not keep any aspect of Shiva, he is nevertheless not required to keep Shiva after he is healed, even within Shloshim. [Practically, one may be lenient like the second opinion, that if some aspects of Aveilus were kept he is not required to make up the Shiva.[5] If, however, he did not keep any aspect of Aveilus, such as he was unconscious, or was not told of the death, then he is to keep Shiva upon being healed and discovering the death, if it is still within thirty days of the burial.[6]]

[1] See Pnei Baruch 25:3 footnote 6-7 and Nitei Gavriel 113:18 footnote 35

[2] Nachalas Shiva 17 in name of Teshuvas Rav Shimon Shapiro of Prague, brought in Pischeiy Tesuvah 396:3; Kneses Hagedola 243; Chasam Sofer 342, brought in Pischeiy Teshuvah ibid; Beis Lechem Yehuda 396:2; Tuv Taam Vadas Gimel 221; Shoel Umeishiv 1:75

[3] Elya Raba 132:2; Shvus Yaakov 1:88 that so rule all the Morei Hora’as, and so is the widespread custom regarding a Yoledes; Ikarei Hadat Y.D. 36:25; Aruch Hashulchan 396:3; Daas Kedoshim 396:3; Kitzur SHU”A 217:3; M”B 548:52; Gesher Hachaim 21:15-4

[4] Yeshuos Yaakov 548:7; Rav Poalim 3:28

[5] Even Yaakov 39; Pnei Baruch ibid footnote 7; Nitei Gavriel 113:18

[6] See Nitei Gavriel ibid footnote 35 that he received to be lenient even if one did not keep any aspect of Aveilus, however one must say that according to all, this only applies if the sick person was told of the passing, and comprehended what he was told. If, however, he was not aware at all, then this is no different than any other Shemua Kerova, Upashut.

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