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11 Signs Of Death Is Near And How To Help Your Loved Ones

11 Signs Of Death Is Near And How To Help Your Loved Ones

11 Signs Of Death Is Near And How To Help Your Loved Ones

Death is never easy to accept. Each person's journey is unique as is the healing process of each survivor. Whether you are a caregiver who takes care of a dying person or a person who knows that the time has come because of illness or age, knowing what to expect when the time comes will help you to be better prepared and to live serenely this shattering event. Here are the 11 signs that announce a near death, as well as the best ways to help the dying person.

11 signs of a near death and the best ways to help the dying person:

1. Sleep more

Several months before the end of his life, a dying person may begin to sleep more than usual. As death approaches, the metabolism of the body decreases, causing a considerable reduction in the natural energy supply, thus encouraging a state of fatigue and constant exhaustion.

What to do ?
Let the dying sleep and help him find comfortable places to rest. Encourage him to get out of bed so he does not develop lesions.

2. Eat and drink less

Energy requirements decrease with age. Since people at the end of life no longer need so much energy to carry out their everyday tasks, food does not seem to be necessary. Besides, a few days before death, your loved one may quite simply stop eating or drinking.

What to do ?
Let him eat when he is hungry and be sure to hydrate him regularly. Give him drink or suck a cube of ice, or at least, moisten his mouth with a clean cloth soaked in fresh water.

3. Moving away from people

It is not uncommon to see people whose end is slowly moving away from the activities and people they love. This is the natural result of the energy changes that are taking place in their bodies, but this also comes from their desire to protect their last days.

What to do ?
The withdrawal does not mean that your loved one does not appreciate the company of the people he loves. Let his friends and family give him back when he feels in the mood to receive them.

4. Changing vital signs

Blood pressure drops as death approaches. Changes in breathing become more evident, and the heartbeat becomes irregular and difficult to detect. The kidneys will also stop working and the color of the urine will go more towards the brown or the color of the rust.

What to do ?
These changes are not painful, so there is no need to do anything to lighten them.

5. Change in stool level

As your loved one eats less food and drinks less fluids, his intestinal movements can become slower and irregular. Similarly, urination can become infrequent and change color. Moreover, when he stops feeding completely, the need to go to the toilet will no longer be felt.

What to do ?
Changes in urine color reflect kidney function that slows down. In palliative care, caregivers use a catheter to drain urine from the bladder.

6. Body temperature drop

Blood circulation drops to your vital organs during the last few days. This means that blood circulation in places like the hands, feet and legs is greatly reduced. This can make the affected limbs cool to touch and give the skin a bluish color.

What to do ?
Even if the skin or limbs may feel cold, your loved one may not be cold. If this is the case, a somewhat thick garment or blanket can keep it warm.

7. Impairment of muscles

During the last few days, the muscles can become very weak. Simple tasks, such as lifting a glass of water or turning around in bed, can become very difficult to achieve.

What to do ?
Make sure your loved one is installed as comfortably as possible. If he needs to drink a glass of water, place it close to his mouth and insert a straw so that he can drink without much effort.

8. Respiratory problems

This is an alarming sign for many people. These fluctuations in breathing may include changes in breathing, sudden inspirations or long stops between different inspirations.

What to do ?
Some pain medications can help with breathing, so do not hesitate to discuss it with your loved one's doctors.

9. Increasing Confusion

The brain remains very active during the phase of disappearance. However, it is not uncommon for a dying person to have moments of confusion or inconsistency.

What to do ?
Stay calm and talk calmly. Reassure your loved one that you are there to take care of him.

10. Pain

The intensity of the pain will likely increase when the person is closer to death. It is not uncommon for a person to show visible signs of suffering, such as grimaces, grunts, or groans.

What to do ?
Most pains can be treated, but in some cases they may require hospitalization.

11. Hallucinations

You may have heard that dying people are seeing deceased relatives in their last days. Hallucinations and visions of other places or people are not rare either.

What to do ?
While this is upsetting, do not try to correct your loved one. Ask him questions and help him understand what he sees.