![]() ![]() This, too, is due to blood circulation slowing down and a build up in the body’s waste products. Sometimes the breathing may be fast, and at other times there may be long gaps between breaths. Medications can also be given to slow down the production of saliva and mucus and thus improve comfort. To help improve the situation you can lift the person’s head and support them with pillows so that their head is turned to one side. This noise can be a concern to carers, but does not usually cause distress to the person. ![]() SecretionsĪs coughing and swallowing reflexes slow down, saliva and mucus may collect in the back of the person’s throat, causing a gurgling, bubbling or other noise. A member of the palliative care team will advise you about what is needed. This does not happen to all people, but if it does there are pads, easy to use equipment and special absorbent sheets to enhance comfort and hygiene. Many carers are concerned that the person will lose control of their bladder and bowels. The urine may become stronger and darker in colour. The amount of urine that the body is producing decreases due to the reduced amount of fluid the person is drinking. Provide good ventilation a fan to circulate the air and cool damp towels can help if the person seems hot. Too many bed clothes or an electric blanket may make them hot and restless. If the person indicates that they feel cold, use light bedding to keep them warm. This is due to the circulation of the blood slowing down and is a normal part of the dying process. Sometimes parts of the person’s body become blotchy and darker in colour. At one time the person’s hands, feet and legs may be increasingly cool to the touch, and at others they may be hot and clammy. It is best to speak softly and naturally. There is no need to shake the person or to speak loudly. It is best to talk to the person when they seem most alert, and allow them to sleep when they want to. Sleep and alertnessĬhanges happening in the person’s body mean that they may spend a lot of time asleep, may be drowsy and difficult to wake up. Attempting to feed someone who is unable to swallow may make them distressed. You can ask the nurses to show you how to help with mouth care, if you wish. Sips of water, or a moist mouth swab will help them. This concerns many carers, but is a natural process and is not painful for the person. The person’s appetite and thirst may decrease, and they may have little desire to eat or drink. Changes you may notice and what you can do to help Appetite and thirst ‘Being with’ can be more important than ‘doing for’. Don’t underestimate the value of these simple things. ![]() Even when the person does not respond, they can probably hear you. You can bring enormous benefit to the person you are caring for simply by sitting with them, holding their hand and speaking in a calm and reassuring manner. The team expects to have increased contact with you in the last stages of the person’s life. The palliative care team is there to assist you by providing information and support. These physical signs are part of the normal, natural process of the person’s body gradually slowing down.Īpart from the signs described here, you may notice other changes that worry you. Sometimes these signs appear a few hours before death, sometimes a few days. Not all the signs discussed in this leaflet will occur with every person, nor will they occur in any particular sequence. If restlessness does occur, it can be treated. There is a gentle winding down that may take several days. However, the time before death is generally peaceful. This leaflet should help you to understand, anticipate and respond to some of the signs you may notice.Ĭarers are often concerned that death will be a painful experience for the person. Many different feelings and emotions may surface at this time. If you have never seen anyone die you may be afraid of what will happen, but the moment of death is usually peaceful.Ĭaring for a person during the last few weeks and days of life can be stressful and demanding. What does dying look like? If you have never experienced… ![]()
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