Death is a painful but unavoidable stage of life. It is difficult to accept when it comes to that of a family member or friend. It is therefore important to be mentally prepared to live and support this tragic event. Here are 10 signs that show that death is near and what needs to be done to help the dying person.
1. Loss of thirst and appetite
Lack of desire to eat or drink is a sign that death is near because energy needs are decreasing. The dying often refuse the foods and liquids offered to them.
If the dying person asks for water, raise his head slightly and give him small sips of water in a syringe or a beaker. If he coughs or has trouble breathing while you give him water, stop immediately. Do not force the dying person to eat or drink, even if it worries you, offer him some ice or a little water from time to time.
2. Dry mouth and eyes
In addition to not absorbing a lot of fluids, your loved one is probably breathing through your mouth, which causes a dry mouth. His eyes will also become dry because of the reduction of the blinking of the eyes.
Mitigate this sign by giving it ice cubes, or by passing a damp, warm towel over his lips to keep them moist, and by administering drops to the eyes.
3. Weakness, disorientation and drowsiness
Another common sign that death is near: weakness and fatigue. Some dying sleep more during the day and are more awake at night. Plan to spend time with your loved one during the times when he seems to be the most awake.
The dying person may also appear disoriented, which is another common sign that death is near. He may seem confused about what is going on around him. In this case, it is necessary to reassure him and not to panic.
4. Pain
When it comes to the most common signs of death, most people are afraid of the pain that a dying person may feel.
Speak with the palliative care team about the most effective strategy for dealing with any pain that your loved one may be feeling. Making sure your loved one does not hurt is an important part of managing your end-of-life care.
5. Torment and agitation
A dying person can become very agitated or tormented. This sign of the approach to death is called "delusion". Delirium is due to internal changes in the body. Sometimes this is due to medication.
Do not reprimand the dying man. Instead, try to understand what can help keep him calm. What works for one person will not work for another.
6. Respiratory changes
A typical sign that death is near is the change in your loved one's breathing patterns. His breathing may accelerate, appear shallow or become irregular.
There may even be short periods during which your loved one stops breathing for a few moments. As death approaches, the delay between breaths can lengthen.
7. Emotional distress
One of the common signs of a near death: emotional distress. Your loved one will feel different emotions as he approaches death. Typical emotions include: anxiety, fear, anger, sadness, guilt, loss and the desire to be alone.
These emotions felt by the dying person depend greatly on the type of person he is, the experiences he has lived in life, his religious and spiritual beliefs and his age.
8. Changes in the skin
A common sign that death is near is a change in dying skin color due to reduced blood flow to the extremities like the hands and feet. Indeed, his skin can turn blue and stained. The lower part of his body, as well as the tips of his fingers, can become cold and turn blue. The dying person's face may become pale, with the area around his mouth looking bluish gray.
9. No answer
During his last moments of life, a dying man may have his eyes open and not blink. You will notice that it will no longer respond to your voice or touch.
Your loved one may still be able to hear you, so you should continue talking to him.
10. Special requests
The dying person may want something special, such as visiting a particular place, or being surrounded by his favorite flowers. He may want to hear music, see family photos or get in touch with someone who has been important in his life.