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The skin of the knees, feet, buttocks, ears, and hands may become purplish, pale, grey, and blotchy or mottled and usually signal that death will occur within days to hours.
People also ask
What to expect when someone nears death?
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What happens during hospice end-of-life?
- Angela Morrow, RN
- Pain. Pain is a common symptom experienced near the end of life, although it can vary from person to person. Pain is not only determined by medical conditions that cause pain, like cancer or lung disease, but also by factors like emotional distress, interpersonal conflicts, and the non-acceptance of one’s own death.
- Shortness of Breath. Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, is one of the most common end-of-life symptoms. Even if a person doesn't have lung disease, dyspnea can occur because the organ systems of the body are interconnected.
- Anxiety. Anxiety is normal at the end of life as a person contemplates their own death or struggles through the stages of dying. This is commonly expressed as agitation, worrying, sweating, stomach upset, nausea, sleeping problems, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations.
- Decreased Appetite and Thirst. As a body starts to shut down, it no longer needs as many calories and nutrition to function at such lowered levels. Although it is normal for people to refuse food and drink near the end of life—either because they have no desire for it or find the effort of eating or drinking to be too much—it can still be upsetting for families.
May 2, 2024 · There are often signs 40 days (or more) before death where people move through end-of-life stages that follow a general timeline. Being tuned in to the physical, mental, and emotional changes of your loved one can help you recognize the signs that they're dying.
- Angela Morrow, RN
May 22, 2024 · Some signs you may notice as someone gets closer to death include: Changes in breathing. Being less active means you need less oxygen. You may notice your loved one's breathing becomes shallow,...
Jun 26, 2023 · Learn about the common symptoms and signs of death in people with cancer who are nearing the end of life. Find out how to care for your loved one and what to do when they die.
Accepting hospice and preparing for the moment of death are two different things and many people are not prepared for the latter. Read through the end-of-life stages timeline above and ask your physician or a Crossroads team member if you have any questions.
The following describes the physical symptoms you may observe by patients approaching death. By understanding these physical changes, caregivers are better equipped to offer comfort, maintain dignity, and provide love and support during this transition.
