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Aug 17, 2023 · When someone is nearing the end of their life, they will experience a variety of characteristic symptoms. Pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, constipation, loss of appetite, fatigue, and change in skin tone and texture are just a few.
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- 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
What happens as a person gets closer to death? Saying goodbye. What happens right after a person dies? Taking care of yourself as you take care of your loved one.
Apr 3, 2015 · For many, the question of what happens when we die is a mysterious one — a TODAY survey found that 55 percent of people are absolutely certain there is an afterlife, 37 percent are not certain,...
End-of-Life Signs: What to Expect as a Loved One Nears Death. As end of life approaches for your family member or friend in South Jersey, it is understandable that you may feel apprehensive and have many questions. Facing a loved one’s final moments is scary.
Death can come suddenly, or a person may linger in a near-death state for days. For some older adults at the end of life, the body weakens while the mind stays clear. Others remain physically strong while cognitive function declines. It's common to wonder what happens when someone is dying.
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May 22, 2024 · Most Common End-of-Life Signs. Some signs you may notice as someone gets closer to death include: Changes in breathing. Being less active means you need less oxygen.
