Preparing To Die

Everyone has a unique way of going through life and a unique way of exiting it. No one knows for sure what the actual date or time of death will be. The process of dying is a physical, emotional and mental process.

The body begins to shut down physically one system at a time, usually in an orderly and progressive fashion. While the body is going through this process there is no need for invasive interventions but only for comforting ones. The changes in the dying person's body may be subtle, may happen quickly or not at all, depending on how rapidly they progress through the process.

The second part of the dying process is the emotional and spiritual one and is a dynamic part of the process. The spirit will begin the process of detaching from all that is of the physical world. The individual should be encouraged to make the transition.

The beliefs, values and lifestyle of the dying individual will help to dictate how the process of death will be orchestrated so that death when it comes can be peaceful. Death is the time to give the individual your acceptance for who they are and to give them comfort and support.

Sleeping patterns will change as death approaches. The body will spend more time sleeping during the day and the individual may be difficult to wake.

The breathing pattern will become irregular and the individual may experience some apnea (pause of 10 to 30 seconds between breaths).

There may be oral secretions that collect at the back of the throat that may cause a noisy breathing. There are several things that can be done to make the individual more comfortable including positioning of the bed and pillows, using oxygen or a cool mist humidifier or medications.

The limbs may become cool to the touch and the underside of the body may become darker in color and the skin may turn bluish or splotchy. The discoloration is due to the slowing of the blood circulation. Blankets can be used for warmth but the person may not feel cool.

The dying individual may become easily confused about time, or the identity of those around him. This mental confusion is due to the slowing of the body's metabolism.

At this stage the individual may become restless or may start seeing things that are not there. These things happen because of decreased oxygen circulating to the brain and the changes in body metabolism. Try not to startle or frighten the individual, by speaking to them in a calm voice.

During this last stage of life, the body needs little in the way of nourishment or fluids. There is an increased risk for choking due to confusion or inability to swallow. It is important not to force anything by mouth at this point.

There may be a loss of bladder or bowel control. It is important to keep the skin clean, warm and dry.

There may be a slight decrease in the ability to hear or see and the individual may experience "visions" of people or events from the past. It is important to have a peaceful, quiet atmosphere and to talk in quiet tones.

The dying individual may not experience all of the signs or symptoms of the dying process.

Recommended Reading

1. The Unique Physical Dynamics Of The Dying Process - The actual process of dying is unique for all individuals. Each individual's date and time of death is unpredictable. This...
2. Preparing For The Final Stages Of Life - The body goes through the final stages of dying on 3 levels: physical, spiritual and emotional. The dying individual goes...
3. Defining Death - Death for many is the ultimate sure thing. The one thing they can count on. At some point death will...
4. Where To Die - There are several choices when it comes to where you die. The majority of Americans die in a hospital. Others...
5. Coping With Our Own Death - Death is a topic many of us try to avoid but none of us escapes from experiencing. As a child...