Signs of Death

If you care for someone with a terminal illness, you likely have many questions about the dying process. Caregivers must understand the signs of death to feel prepared for when the time comes. While nothing can truly prepare a person for the death of a loved one, educating yourself on what to expect can help considerably. Though the descriptions here attempt to provide a comprehensive overview, that does not mean that everyone will present all of these symptoms. Be sure to discuss this process with medical professionals familiar with your loved one’s condition so that you know what to expect. 

Death comes in five stages, but it is most noticeable approximately seven days before death. This period is also known as “actively dying.” During this time, family members will often step away from their role as caregivers to spend time with the patient. One of the most common symptoms is a significant decrease in appetite. Two or three days before death, patients will stop eating altogether. Patients also sleep a lot more since their metabolism is slowing down considerably. In addition, patients become less social and avoid communicating with others. As patients lose strength, spending time with loved ones can feel like an impossible task.

Patients’ cognitive behavior also changes during this time. Many patients experience restlessness, confusion, and hallucinations. This is primarily due to an increase in fluid buildup in the body. Sometimes medications or minor procedures can help relieve this symptom. Patients’ vitals also change dramatically during this time. Body temperatures fluctuate, body pressures change, and heartbeats will become irregular. Moreover, the patient’s breathing will change. The buildup of fluids may also cause patients to gurgle when they breathe, which is known as a “death rattle.”
As difficult as these changes may sound and look, support is readily available to patients and loved ones. Hospice care is readily available for patients who have a prognosis of six months or less. Patients may enter hospice at any time so that they can live the remainder of their lives in comfort and dignity. Moreover, hospice provides supportive services to loved ones to grieve their loss healthily. Remember: there is no reason to go through this alone. At Home Hospice and Palliative Care, we’re here to support patients and their family members throughout this difficult time. Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation.