Identifying The Possible Signs Of Death Approaching

Caring for a loved one who is dying can be very difficult and having questions about the process of death is common. Just like giving birth, there is no rhyme or reason why certain things happen. The time of death or how a person dies cannot always be predicted. However, people with terminal illnesses or someone just really old and ready to go do have similar symptoms and signs that death may be near.

Many medical professionals say that there are actually two stages of dying – an pre-active and an active phase. The pre-active phase usually lasts anywhere from two weeks to a month while the active phase can be counted in just a few days. These guesses are an average because there are always exceptions, often dependent on an individual's will to live as well as a host of other factors.

Medical personnel who work in hospice situations have often been surprised by patients who they thought were in the active phase of dying only to last for a month or longer. Unfortunately, death has its own timetable so it can be hard to tell loved ones who want to say goodbye to be at the bedside at a certain time. You can use the following as a general guide to help you identify the phase your loved one may be in:

Pre-active phase

In the pre-active phase of dying, your loved one may withdraw from social interactions, denying most visitors or they may request their family members to visit so that they may settle things. Your loved one may become restless, agitated, confused and uncomfortable, changing positions with regularity.

A decline in appetite and thirst is common in the pre-active stage of the dying process as is increased sleeping period. They may express tiredness and may even state that they are ready to die. Their breathing will slow down in both sleep and wake periods and even have apnea issues. Slow recovery time from infections and operations is another sign of the pre-active stage.

Active stage of dying

Changes in breathing patterns such as slow inhalation and exhalation and even increased apnea issues are sure signs of the active stage of dying. Hallucinations are common and lucid moments decrease, with coma occurring many times. Fluid build-up in the lungs and edema in the body are common as are drops in blood pressure.

Incontinence or decrease of bodily output is expected and your loved one may not be able to take food or fluids via mouth any longer. Numbness and cold temperatures are often felt and reduced movement is expected.

There is really no rhyme or reason to the different symptoms of dying. Not everyone will exhibit each one. So when a doctor or other medical professional says that the end is near, you and family members may have to maintain a vigil so that your loved one will have someone with them when they pass on. Always remember that many times, your loved one may hear you talking to them and feel your touch even if they appear unresponsive. It is important to continue the dialogue and loving touches to give them comfort before they die.

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