Experts suggest speaking softly to the patient and touching them gently only if they normally like being touched. Loved ones should assume the patient can hear everything they say. The detachment from their surroundings and relationships is the body’s physical and spiritual response to the process of dying and is perfectly normal. However, heating pads and electric blankets are not advised because the patient will be unable to judge if they are becoming too hot. The patient’s hands and feet might feel cold and could become darker in appearance.ĭuring this stage, loved ones can offer blankets to increase comfort as the patient’s circulation changes. What Is Occurring In Stage 2Īs the body’s circulation slows down, blood is reserved for helping major internal organs function. This is typically seen during the last days of life.
The person will become increasingly less responsive to their surroundings and those around them, to the point where they will eventually become unable to speak or move at all. The middle stage of dying is marked by changes in the patient’s physical appearance that could last a few hours or several days. To provide comfort, loved ones can offer patients bits of food, sips of fluid or ice chips, but it is important to respect the patient’s wishes when it comes to eating and drinking. This is a natural process where the body shuts down hunger, and artificial feeding at this time does not prevent death and can even lead to physical distress. Although it may be troubling to witness, it does not cause the patient any pain or suffering. What Is Actually Happeningĭuring this stage, the body starts conserving energy and does not need as much nourishment as it did in the past.
#3 MINUTES BEFORE DEATH FULL#
They may also occasionally choke on their fluids and will start to feel full rather quickly. For many patients, eating becomes more of a burden than a joy at this point. The first sign of this stage of dying will be a noticeable drop in interest in food. This period can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. In the early stage of dying, a patient will begin eating and drinking markedly less. Outlined below is a general look at what to expect during each stage. However, it is important to keep mind that the timing of each stage and the symptoms experienced can vary from person to person. These are marked by various changes in responsiveness and functioning. There are three main stages of dying: the early stage, the middle stage and the last stage.
Having a better understanding of what happens during this process can help everyone involved to better prepare for this transition and each of the stages of dying.
#3 MINUTES BEFORE DEATH HOW TO#
Terminally-ill patients and their caregivers may wonder what to expect during this stage and how to make this time more comfortable.
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