Experiencing the decline and eventual passing of a loved one due to illness is an emotional journey that includes moments of hope and heartbreak. Witnessing the gradual progression toward the end of life can be extremely challenging, marked by the presence of various physical and emotional changes in an individual.
Faced with terminal illness, the signs that indicate an individual is nearing the end of their life offer insight into the stages leading up to their passing, Dr. Carol DerSarkissian pointed out. Understanding these symptoms, from changes in sleep patterns to changes in appetite and behavior, provides a blueprint for understanding and better supporting loved ones during their final days.
Losing a loved one is never an easy thing. The process of losing someone to illness can often be lengthy. There will be times when you feel like you are losing them, but they will come back at least for a while.
It can be painful to constantly wonder if each day will be their last.
Symptoms of impending death can range from months to just a day or two, according to doctors.
Signs that someone is going to die
Dr. Carol DerSarkissian lists a number of indicators that a person is close to death. He specifically mentions people who are afflicted with a terminal illness. It is usually more noticeable in adults, especially the elderly. For younger people, it’s a little less predictable. This is due to the fact that they often ask many difficult questions and remain much more active than older adults as they approach death.
In the final months, weeks, or even hours before someone dies, this is what you can expect to see if you know or have someone who is ill.
One to three months in advance
It is difficult to fight a terminal illness on a mental, emotional, or physical level. Naturally, the patient may be tired during treatment. The patient begins to take more naps and sleep for longer periods as the disease gradually (or rapidly) takes over his body. Again, medical procedures and medications can significantly affect a person’s appetite for food and drink. Once again, in the last one to three months of the illness, their appetite will decrease and they will drink less. Water and food are less important as their body shuts down.
It is likely that some behavioral changes will also be noticeable. The psychological effects of fighting a losing battle with a terminal illness are largely responsible for this. This once very outgoing person often withdraws from social situations. In addition, they often grow disinterested in the activities they used to enjoy. Their talkativeness is one of the main behavioral changes you will notice in them. For most adults, speech declines with age. On the other hand, children really do talk more.
A week or two before death
Naturally, they will want to sleep more and more as they approach eternal sleep. No matter how often they sleep, they often feel constantly tired and exhausted. Because of their exhaustion, they will find it difficult to get out of bed. Their appetite and thirst virtually disappear and their sleeping and waking patterns change. They will have fewer stools and urinate less often as a result of restricting food and drink.
Unfortunately, they usually feel more pain.
The body undergoes changes related to medicine.
Their breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure will fluctuate. Their skin may appear cool, warm, moist, or pale depending on how their body temperature changes. Another noticeable symptom could be labored breathing due to the buildup in the back of the throat. They may also start to feel confused or seem a little disoriented.
Dr. DerSarkissian tells us that while it can be unnerving to watch them struggle to breathe, they’re not in pain.
Medicines also help them manage their pain, although taking tablets orally may not be easy for them now. In addition, your loved one may have hallucinations, especially of deceased friends and family members. It often makes them feel happier and more comforted.
Trying to convince them that what they are seeing is not real is pointless because it will simply make them angry.
In hours and days
When a person is only days or hours away from death, their body undergoes numerous changes.
They often stop eating and drinking completely, which also causes them to stop urinating and defecating. Additionally, the pain may worsen, which is why you may see them frowning or grimacing.
Tearing or glazed eyes, an irregular pulse that is difficult to hear or feel, and a drop in body temperature are other notable physical changes. The skin on their hands, knees, and feet will often turn a mottled purple-blue color over the last 24 hours. They usually gasp and their breathing slows to a complete stop.
They will probably be unconscious, but they will probably be able to hear and feel. Being present, holding their hand, and engaging in conversation is essential.
They will find solace in that as they continue. Experts generally agree that it is best to communicate with them and provide support until they die. Although losing a loved one is never easy, it is important to understand the dying process in order to give them the best possible care in their final days and to support themselves during the grieving process.
Navigating the impending loss of a loved one due to illness is a deep and challenging journey. Signs that someone is nearing the end of their life, as outlined by doctors like Dr. Carol DerSarkissian, offer insight into the final stages of this difficult process. Understanding these signals, from behavioral changes to physical changes, provides a way to predict and better support those in their final moments.
Witnessing these symptoms, whether over the course of months, weeks, or the last few hours, can be emotionally taxing. However, recognizing the inevitability of these transformations helps to offer the best possible care and comfort to people in their final days. Gradual weaning from food and drink, shifts in sleep patterns and various physiological changes underline the body’s natural development towards the end of life.
Recognizing the importance of maintaining a supportive presence, engaging in conversation, and providing comfort becomes paramount during this sensitive time. It is a testament to the importance of being present and offering comfort, recognizing that despite their unconscious state, an individual can still perceive and feel their surroundings.
Understanding the nuances of this journey, while emotionally daunting, allows caregivers and loved ones to provide compassionate care. Understanding these processes is key to honoring the individual’s dignity and providing a supportive environment during their final moments. While the loss is never easy, this understanding can help navigate the grieving process and provide comfort in the face of the inevitable breakup.