This article will discuss 12 signs that a person is nearing the end of their life.
It also suggests ways to help your loved one manage through the final stages of life.
Pain control near the end of death should involve addressing all of these factors as part ofhospiceorpalliative care.
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If medications are needed for severe pain,opioid analgesicslikemorphineare typically the first-line option.
Deep breathing exercisesandrelaxation techniquescan help in the early stages.
As the condition progresses, medications andoxygen therapymay be needed.
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Counseling and therapy can go a long way toward easing anxiety.
Medications like antidepressants,anxiolytics, andbenzodiazepinescan also be prescribed.
Nausea or Vomiting
There are many reasons a person may be nauseous near the end of life.
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It may be due toconstipation, having a reduced appetite, or certain medicines they are taking.
It could also be due to emotional distress.
Constipation
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Medications used to treat pain and shortness of breath can causeconstipation.
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Changes in diet, increased fluid intake, and simply taking short walks can help.
The use ofstimulant laxativesas well as alow enemacan provide relatively fast relief.
Ifconstipation brought on by opioid painkillersis severe, an injection of a drug calledmethylnaltrexonecan help.
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It is equally important to accept fatigue as a natural part of the dying process.
You shouldn’t force your loved one to do things that may only add to their tiredness.
It is important to remember that any and all emotions are normal when someone is dying.
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This doesn’t mean that you should back away.
By just being there, you may find that certain feelings are causing your loved one to drift away.
There may be unspoken regrets or worries.
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Or, they may simply be emotionally worn out.
These changes happen because the heart is no longer able to pump blood as effectively to the limbs.
The swelling of the legs and ankles (peripheral edema) is also common.
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Oxygen therapy may help ease cyanosis, whilecompression socksmay help reduce edema and possibly pain as well.
Even constipation anddehydrationcan trigger delirium in people approaching death.
Delirium is often a sign of impending death.
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Effort is typically placed on making your loved one as comfortable as possible.
With each breath, the passing of air through these fluids causes a rattling sound.
Death is considered imminent with the loss of bowel control, delirium, and the “death rattle.”
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