Irvine Hospice Caregivers Share End-of-Life Signs & What Families Should Expect

January 21, 2021January 20, 2021 SB Hospice Staff

When a family member enters hospice care at home or in a care facility, the remaining family members are often worried about missing the signs that death is approaching soon. Irvine hospice caregivers share helpful end-of-life signs and changes that families should watch for. This often helps families understand what to expect during the natural death process.

Signs of Impending Death Can Lower Anxiety & Help People Prepare for the End

It is important to understand that each person will have different reactions physically, emotionally, and mentally during the process of dying. No two people will necessarily have all the expected impending death signs.

However, usually some of these signs are noted. Knowing what to expect as a family member moves through the death process can bring welcome relief and lower anxious feelings typically felt when someone lacks experience or knowledge regarding death.

How Long Does It Take for a Person to Die?

Again, end-of-life signs cannot predict the exact timeframe of when a person will die. Knowledge of these signs and changes can help caregivers and family members get an idea of where the person is in the process. Death can take months, weeks, days, or even hours, depending on each unique circumstance.

Commonly Experienced Changes in Bodily Functions Near Death

Hospice caregivers are highly attuned to certain slowing and changing of the patient’s overall bodily functions as death approaches even closer. Remember, not every person will present the same signs and bodily changes.

Here are some of the most common body system changes, including:

Overall slowing down
Less interest in eating food or drinking beverages
Lethargy – sleeping more
Difficulty or decreasing of body movements often becoming difficult and taxing
Not passing urine or feces regularly
Difficulty with speech & decreased communication
Mental & emotional changes – subdued, lack of focus & overall shut-down
May quit responding to questions or lack interest in surroundings
Increased Symptoms & Changes Near Death

When death creeps closer, the person will likely undergo more intense signs, including:

Auditory breathing – may be uneven, slowed, gurgling or rasping
Increased restlessness – mental confusion

Hallucinations

Late signs include skin changes, irregular and labored breathing, and eventual lapse into unconsciousness or coma. Hospice care can offer comfort measures and valuable support during this time.

Contact St. Bernardine Hospice Care based in Irvine.