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- Stage 1 Fresh (1-2 days) This stage begins almost instantly from the moment of death. As the heart stops beating, the body’s cells gets deprived of oxygen and pH changes occurs.
- Stage 2 Bloated (2-6 days) This stage of decomposition includes the first visible signs of decay, namely the inflation of the abdomen due to a build-up of various gases produced by bacteria inside the body.
- Stage 3 Decay (5-11 days) The previously inflated carcass now deflates and internal gases are released. As the tissues break down the corpse will appear wet and strong odours are very noticeable.
- Stage 4 Post-Decay (10-24 days) By the time this stage is reached, decomposition slows, as most of the flesh has been stripped from the skeleton, though some may remain in denser areas such as the abdomen.
- Angela Morrow, RN
- Pain. Pain is a common symptom experienced near the end of life, although it can vary from person to person. Pain is not only determined by medical conditions that cause pain, like cancer or lung disease, but also by factors like emotional distress, interpersonal conflicts, and the non-acceptance of one’s own death.
- Shortness of Breath. Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, is one of the most common end-of-life symptoms. Even if a person doesn't have lung disease, dyspnea can occur because the organ systems of the body are interconnected.
- Anxiety. Anxiety is normal at the end of life as a person contemplates their own death or struggles through the stages of dying. This is commonly expressed as agitation, worrying, sweating, stomach upset, nausea, sleeping problems, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations.
- Decreased Appetite and Thirst. As a body starts to shut down, it no longer needs as many calories and nutrition to function at such lowered levels. Although it is normal for people to refuse food and drink near the end of life—either because they have no desire for it or find the effort of eating or drinking to be too much—it can still be upsetting for families.
- Overview
- End-of-life symptoms timeline
- End-of-life symptoms
- How to support your loved ones during end of life
- Takeaway
Getting familiar with end-of-life symptoms in older adults can help you understand what your loved one may be experiencing, and promote a smooth transition for everyone.
Caring for a loved one through the final stage of life is never easy. Whether you carry all the responsibility or just want to be there for them, you probably wonder what to expect.
Weeks before end of life
Some of the earliest signs have to do with a sense of resignation. That may involve low mood, lack of motivation, and withdrawal. The person may spend more time reminiscing about their childhood and earlier life experiences. Loss of appetite, general weakness, and increasing fatigue become noticeable.
Days before end of life
Your loved one will likely sleep more than they’re awake. They’ll move and talk less and may not respond to conversation or commotion. Their sense of hearing is most likely unchanged, but vision may be impaired. Other signs in the final days may include: •drop in blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature •labored breathing •difficulty swallowing •refusing food •no more bowel movements or urination •hallucinations, illusions, or delusions Some people experience a certain amount of restlessness or have a burst of energy.
Hours before end of life
Signs that the body is actively shutting down are: •abnormal breathing and longer space between breaths (Cheyne-Stokes breathing) •noisy breathing •glassy eyes •cold extremities •purple, gray, pale, or blotchy skin on knees, feet, and hands •weak pulse •changes in consciousness, sudden outbursts, unresponsiveness It’s thought that hearing is the last sense to fade. Even when unconscious, your loved one can probably still hear you.
1. Appetite and digestive changes
As one nears the end of life, metabolism and digestion gradually slow down. Fewer calories are needed, so loss of appetite and decreased thirst are normal. Trouble swallowing, nausea, and constipation can also interfere with appetite. There might be weight loss and signs of dehydration.
2. Sleeping more
Generalized weakness and fatigue are common. Energy levels wane and time spent sleeping increases.
3. Withdrawal from the world
You might notice a sense of resignation and withdrawal from the larger world. The person may create a protective bubble of fewer people and less curiosity about events outside the bubble. They might spend more time talking about the past than the present.
Providing physical comfort
Whether or not you have professional caregivers or hospice care, there are some basic ways you can provide physical comfort: •Use a humidifier to aid breathing. •Apply lip balm and alcohol-free lotion to soothe dry skin. •Help them stay hydrated with ice chips or applying a wet washcloth to the lips. •Change positioning every few hours to prevent bedsores. •Provide comfy bedding and refresh as necessary. •Prepare soft foods, but don’t force a person to eat. •Use low lighting and block out loud or distracting sounds. •Let them sleep when they want to.
Proving emotional comfort
To help provide emotional and spiritual support: •Encourage conversation if they’re up for it. Let them lead, be a good listener, and avoid initiating potentially stressful topics. •Even if they don’t respond, assume they hear you. Speak directly to them rather than about them. Identify yourself when you enter or leave the room. •Provide light physical contact by holding their hand or placing a hand on their shoulder. •Play their favorite music at low volume. •Don’t ignore, interrupt, or dismiss their thought process. Remain calm if they’re confused. If they’re talking to or seeing someone who isn’t there, let them be. •Express your love. •Don’t deny reality. If they want to say goodbye, let them. It can provide you both with peace of mind. Think about your loved one’s spiritual needs. Consider bringing in an appropriate spiritual advisor, social worker, or end-of-life doula.
Letting go is not easy. Learning about elderly end-of-life symptoms can help you provide the physical and emotional support your loved one needs as they transition.
Once your loved one has passed, allow yourself time to grieve, take care of yourself, and reach out for help if you need it.
- Ann Pietrangelo
Apr 8, 2019 · Due to weakness and/or fatigue, the person may not move around much in bed. This could lead to joint pain and stiffness.
Nov 12, 2020 · If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911. A person near the end of life experiences physical symptoms, such as end-of-life breathing and reduced urine output, as well as emotional and spiritual signs of the end of life.
Nov 13, 2023 · Signs a person is close to dying include decreased appetite, vital sign changes, weakness, and increased sleeping. This article explores 11 signs that death is approaching.
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Aug 19, 2024 · It's normal to wonder what will happen when you die. From a physical standpoint, death is when the body's vital functions stop, including breathing (respiration), heartbeat, and brain activity. The dying process can happen gradually or it can occur very quickly.
