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- If a person is near death, they will go through certain changes as the organs of their body start to shut down. This will lead to common symptoms like anxiety, fatigue, constipation, and changes in bowel movement before progressing to end-of-life symptoms such as delirium and characteristic breathing sounds known as the "death rattle."
www.verywellhealth.com/common-symptoms-at-the-end-of-life-1132515
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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- Causes a Rattling Sound
- 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
When a person is near the end of life you may hear them gurgle or make snoring-like sounds with each breath. This may sound like they are choking. These noises happen because the person swallows less. Small amounts of fluid will collect in the throat or the tongue will move back due to the relaxation of the jaw and throat muscles.
Oct 8, 2024 · The dying process usually begins well before death takes place. Generally, there are end-of-life stages that follow a general timeline during the last 40 days or so. For some people, it may take weeks. In other cases, death approaches more quickly, in just a few hours or days.
- Angela Morrow, RN
Jun 26, 2023 · It's hard to know exactly what will happen in the final stage of life and especially near death. There are some common symptoms that most often happen in people with cancer who are dying. All might not happen, but it may help you to know about them. Changes in body function. Extreme weakness.
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.
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Sep 24, 2024 · Near the end of life, vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate may fluctuate or gradually decrease. What you can do: Report these changes to the hospice nurse or other healthcare provider. These symptoms can appear at any time as your loved one’s disease progresses, but they may become more pronounced in the final days or hours ...
