About this topic
Death may happen all of a sudden, like from an accident or medical crisis. Other times, someone may have an illness and a cure is no longer possible. Family members and patients often want to know how they will be able to tell when their loved one is dying. No one knows exactly when another person will die. Doctors and nurses work closely with people at the end of life. They have found there are some signs that often happen as a part of the natural dying process. ‚
By learning more about the process of dying, you may be better able to help your loved one during this time. Remember, not all of these signs will happen to each person. ‚
General
Those who are dying tend to let go of senses and body functions in a certain order. This is a normal process. Most often, a dying person loses the desire to eat and drink first. Next, the person often loses the ability to speak and to see. Finally, the sense of hearing and touch are lost. ‚
There are still ways you can help your loved one. ‚
- Offer ice chips or wipe your loved ones mouth with a wet wash cloth. Use a lip balm to keep the lips moist and comfortable.
- Change your loved one's position every few hours. Keep your loved one comfortable. Raise the head of the bed slightly. It may help with breathing. Adjusting your loved one's position or adding pillows for comfort and elevation may help quiet noisy breathing.
- Enjoy any brief times of alertness. It is OK to still talk with your loved one even if they are not responding to you.
- Offer your loved one a warm blanket. Use disposable, waterproof pads to protect the bed.
- Keep your loved one clean. Change bedding as needed. This will keep your loved one comfortable. It will also help to get rid of any unpleasant smells.
- Offer and honor your loved one's desire to speak with clergy or meet other spiritual needs.
- Speak softly and calmly.
- Offer a light massage.
What are the main signs?
Your loved one: ‚
- Will have a decreased appetite. They may only eat or drink very small amounts. They may not eat or drink anything. The body systems are shutting down so your loved one has little need or desire for food.
- May sleep most of the time. Remember, even if they appear to be asleep, your loved one may still be able to hear you and feel your touch.
- May not be aware of their surroundings. They may seem confused and restless. They may pull at clothes or sheets. Reassure them and remain calm.
- Will have problems breathing. Your loved one may breathe with an irregular pattern or have long pauses between breaths. There may be a lot of secretions in your loved ones mouth and lungs. This can make the breathing very noisy.
- May have an irregular heartbeat. The heart may beat very fast or very slow.
- May stop responding to others around them. They may no longer talk to you or others.
- Will have less urine. If they do go to the bathroom, it may be very dark in color. This is because they are drinking less and blood pressure is getting lower as a normal part of the dying process. When death is near, your loved one may lose control of urine or stool.
- May have less blood flow to hands, feet, fingers, and toes. These parts will feel cool to touch. They may have a bluish color or be pale. The skin may also have a blotchy, mottled look. Again, as the blood pressure gets lower, the body sends more blood flow to the vital organs, like the heart, brain, lungs, kidneys, and liver, and less to other areas.
What drugs may be needed?
Your loved one may still need to take drugs for pain, fever, upset stomach, or other problems. Talk with the doctor about the best way to give these drugs to your loved one. ‚
Will there be any other care needed?
Many families choose to work with hospice during this time. A hospice organization can provide physical and emotional support when you are dealing with the potential death of your loved one. Talk with the doctor about hospice. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.org/treatment/nearingtheendoflife/nearingtheendoflife/nearing-the-end-of-life-death ‚
Hospice Foundation of America ‚
http://www.hospicefoundation.org/dyingsigns ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚