Usually, the dying process starts long before the actual death occurs. There are specific stages of the end of life that you can anticipate. People are eager to know what are the signs that someone is near the end of life. By paying attention to the physical, mental, and emotional changes that are a part of each end-of-life stage, you may be able to spot the warning signals of a dying person. You might be better able to get ready for what lies ahead if you have greater knowledge about the dying process. Here, we are exploring the signs that someone is near the end of life.
There are various turning points in the dying process, but not everyone will experience them. A medical professional might be able to give you an idea of how quickly your loved one will go through each stage as they get closer to passing away. While some people might closely follow this, others might cycle through these stages much more quickly even within days or for months. Read the signs that someone is near the end of life below:
Table of Contents
Signs before One to Three Months of Death
One to three months before death, the dying process frequently becomes noticeable. The specifics of many of the events that occur during this initial stage of the end-of-life process can vary from person to person.
Physical Changes
A dying individual may exhibit any of the following bodily symptoms when their body begins to slow down:
- decreased appetite
- decreased thirst
- More sleep Loss of weight
- A little sense of joy and well-being (euphoria)
At this point, the dying person might stop needing food or water. While their absence from food may worry their loved ones, they are not in any way hurting; it is a normal part of the journey they are on.
Since the body no longer requires as much energy, this is actually okay. Another reason a dying person needs less food is that they may begin to sleep more and stop undertaking their usual activities.
During this final period of life, the body’s chemistry is naturally altered, which might result in bliss.
Behavioral and Mental Changes
Additionally, social and cultural issues, such as gender roles, might influence how someone experiences death. Men are less likely than women to discuss their mortality and end-of-life wishes openly, according to research. Men could find it harder to seek help because they don’t want to appear “needy,” which is one possible explanation.
The distinctions, however, are not necessarily specific to one gender identity; many women find it difficult to discuss their mortality and do not want their loved ones to feel “burdened” by caring for them as they age.
The religious and cultural background of a person also affects how they feel about dying as they get closer to death. Various customs, rituals, and practices can be steps in the end-of-life timeline, depending on the person’s beliefs. A person may begin to withdraw as they begin to embrace their mortality and understand that death is near. They are starting the process of distancing themselves from the world and its people.
Your loved one could decline invitations from friends, neighbors, and even family members during this stage. Even when they do welcome guests, they could find it challenging to communicate with you. You can be disturbed at the time between your love for them and your sentiments of rejection.
This phase also involves reflection. A person who is dying is reflecting on their life and going over old experiences. They may also be reviewing their regrets as they reflect on their lives.
Signs before One to Two Weeks of Death
In the final week or two of life, the dying process begins to accelerate. For their loved ones, the acceleration might be terrifying, especially if the changes they are experiencing have disturbed them.
If your loved ones say anything that doesn’t make sense as their death draws near, you may want to “correct” them, but try to refrain from doing so. It’s preferable to listen to and encourage your loved one at this point.
Your loved one can claim, for instance, that they hear or seen someone who passed away before them. Let your loved one tell you about it when that happens. You can feel frustrated because you cannot be certain of what they are experiencing at that time—are they having a hallucination? Do they seem to be experiencing a spiritual encounter? Though it can be unpleasant, ambiguity is necessary for the process. Love for them is the best action you can take.
Physical Changes
A dying person’s body is struggling to maintain itself at this stage of the end-of-life timeline. Your loved one can require assistance with practically any task. For instance, a person can struggle to swallow the medication or might refuse to take the required dose. They might now require liquid morphine if they had been taking painkilling pills.
Signs that someone is near the end of life are present during this stage include:
- a degree lower than average body temperature (or more)
- blood pressure decrease
- an irregular heartbeat that may accelerate or decelerate
- increased sweating
- Skin tone changes, with pale or blue nail beds and lips.
- Breathing alterations (e.g., a rattling sound and cough)
- or less talking
- Unexpected arm or leg movements
Behavioral and Mental Changes
A person will spend the majority of this time sleeping during the end-of-life timeline. Confusion and distorted sensations are frequent when they are awake. A loved one may go through delusions, such as fearing secret adversaries or thinking they are invincible. Although it may be difficult for you to observe these improvements, it’s crucial that you continue to be encouraging.
At this point, the dying individual may experience hallucinations. They might be able to communicate with or see deceased individuals as well as other non-existent people. People occasionally feel as though a barrier between worlds is lifting.
During this period, the dying individual may become restless. Their actions and movements can appear aimless and illogical to people around them, and they can pick at their clothes or bedclothes.
The Last Couple of Days Before Death
Family members may be shocked in the final handful of days. As they grow closer to passing away at this point, your loved one can experience an abrupt increase in energy. After being without an appetite for days or weeks, they might wish to get out of bed, call close friends, or eat.
Although you might interpret these behaviors as evidence that a person who is dying is getting better, the energy will soon fade. Even though it can be upsetting to witness, this is a typical event in the dying process. The dying person’s last bodily acts before passing away are these energy bursts. Typically, the increases in activity are short. Once the energy has been used up, the earlier symptoms of being on the verge of death resurface more powerfully.
A dying person’s respiration gets slower and more erratic at this point. Cheyne-Stokes breathing—rapid breaths followed by pauses in breathing—can happen. A person who is dying may also make a “rattling” sound when they breathe. It can be hard to observe these changes, but try to keep in mind that your loved one is not in pain.
The hands and feet of your loved one may begin to seem blotchy, purple, or mottled. The person’s arms and legs may gradually begin to show the skin look alterations. Their lips may droop, and their nail beds may turn blue or purple.
An individual who is dying frequently goes unconscious at this point in their illness. Despite having their eyes open, they might not be able to see anything around them. It is generally accepted that the last sense to depart from a dying person is hearing. Knowing this can serve as a reminder that spending time with and talking to a dying loved one during this difficult time is still important.
Death occurs when your loved one’s heart stops beating and their breathing quits. They’ve arrived at the destination of their journey.
Signs That Someone Is Near the End of Life
When a person is getting close to the end of their life, they typically go through some specific physical and mental changes, such as:
- fatigue or drowsiness
- avoiding eating and drinking
- uncertainty in the mind or decreased alertness
- Anxiety
- breathing that is delayed, irregular, or short
- Cool to the touch hands, arms, feet, and legs
- At the very end, the eyes may appear glassy and the person may breathe loudly, producing a “death rattle” sound.
They know their Death is Very Near
The body must actively participate in the natural process of dying. A dying person may instinctively know their time is running out, much as a mother in labor knows when her baby is on the way. Even if your loved one doesn’t talk about dying, they probably know it’s going to happen.
Some people come from families or cultures where talking about death is simply taboo. Additionally, your loved one might perceive that people are reluctant to bring up the subject of death because they are uncomfortable with it.
Then, death could emerge as the dominant issue. Everyone is aware of it, but nobody wants to acknowledge it. Family conversations can be awkward and insincere, never getting close. The crucial task of repairing and concluding relationships might not be accomplished in this situation.
Summary
Many individuals ponder if they’ll be able to tell when a loved one is passing away. There are frequently warning signals that appear one to three months before death. Knowing these symptoms could comfort you as you deal with the physical and psychological changes that occur over the span of a person’s life and assist you in preparing for your loved one’s death.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does it feel like to die?
There is no way to know what it feels like to truly die, however, we can see another person’s demise and perhaps try to fathom how it must feel for them.
2. What are the warning signals of inevitable death?
Near-death experiences frequently deny food and water. Their hands, arms, feet, or legs can feel cool to the touch, and their breathing and heart rates will slow and/or be irregular. They could also feel irritated, worried, or puzzled.
3. What should I say to a person who is about to die?
Speaking to someone who is dying is impossible to get right or incorrect. You might wish to tell your loved one some stories or let them know how much you care. Talking about death can be made simpler with the aid of a therapist.
4. Which five stages of death and dying are there?
Rejection, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance are the five stages of coping with learning you’re going to die, according to one widely accepted theory developed by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in 1969.
5. What happens just before death?
The heart eventually quits, and the person ceases breathing. Their brain completely shuts down after a few minutes, and their skin begins to chill. They have passed away by this time.
6. How do you know that death is likely to occur?
Your loved one’s body will start to shut down in the final hours of their life. Their respiratory and circulatory systems will gradually deteriorate. Both unexpected outbursts and a drop in body temperature could result from this.
7. What are the signs that someone is near the end of life?
An End-of-Life Rally is what? A person who is nearing death “rallies,” becoming more stable and perhaps even wanting to chat or start eating and drinking again. This occurrence has been compared by some to a sudden surge of energy just before passing away.
8. What signs and symptoms before death?
- Breathing problems
- Blood pressure and body temperature drop.
- Less appetite for foods or drinks.
- Changes in sleeping habits.
- Confusion, or to retreat.
Image credit: Yandex.com
Also Read: Is It Possible to Bring Someone Back to Life After Death?
