Friends and family members of the dying often have more difficulty understanding the situation, and knowing what to do, than the dying person. These are the signs that tell you when death is approaching, and how you can help your loved one transit peacefully.
There are two general stages to the process of dying —pre-active dying, which can last 2 to 3 weeks, and active dying, which can go on for 2 to 3 days.
THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PRE-ACTIVE DYING INCLUDE:
- The person is telling you they are dying. They often know death is approaching and accept it before loved ones do.
- Decreased appetite for food and drinks as eating becomes immaterial.
- They see people who have died already as they prepare to join them.
- They begin to have longer pauses between breaths.
- They request visits from family or friends to say goodbye or complete unfinished business.
- Increase in need for sleep and rest.
- Physical healing processes stop.
In the weeks before death, people often experience an increase in well-being that can appear to be a miraculous recovery. This upsurge often happens to people with cancer and allows them to prepare for death.
THE SYMPTOMS OF ACTIVE DYING AS THE END-OF-LIFE PROCESS IS MORE EMINENT ARE:
- Irregular breath with long pauses.
- Hands and feet become cool.
- Skin changes colors, becoming mottled.
- Blood pressure drops.
- Gurgling sounds, caused by fluid building up in the lungs.
- Cannot be woken from a coma.
- Agitation.
Experiencing a feeling of helplessness is common in those who are gathered around a dying person. However, there is actually quite a lot that you can do to help.
First, accept the situation and realize that this is a very special, significant time for you, your relationship with the dying person, and the person who is going.
Second, muster up all of your love and share it freely. Your love will ease their passage more than anything else. In the spirit of selfless love, forgive them for any wrongs and accept their forgiveness.
If they have dying requests, assure them that those requests will be honored.
Be sure that the atmosphere around them is calm and peaceful. Please do your best to impart calmness and acceptance to them.
Please provide them with the spiritual counseling or hospice of their choice.
Taking these steps will help make your loved one’s transition go smoothly and help you because you will know that you’ve done your best to help them.
How can I get started with hospice care for my loved one?
Please call us 818-644-5357 to discuss your loved one’s needs and schedule an assessment to determine eligibility and develop a personalized care plan.