The dying process usually beginswell before death takes place.
Generally, there areend-of-lifestages that follow a general timeline during the last 40 days or so.
For some people, it may take weeks.
Illustration by Cindy Chung for Verywell Health
In other cases, death approaches more quickly, in just a few hours or days.
Knowing more about the end-of-life process may help you to better prepare for what’s to come.
Their energy needs decrease when they stop regular activities and start sleeping more.
As the body slows down to prepare for death, the metabolism slows down and requires less food.
The digestive tract is also less active, which means a dying person wont feel hungry or thirsty.
Mental and Behavioral Changes
Social and cultural factors help shape a persons dying experience.
For example:
Withdrawal is common as someone starts torealize death is approaching.
Theyre beginning the process of separating from the world and the people in it.
When they do accept visitors, it might be hard for them to interact.
That may make you feel rejected, which is especially hard when you know time is of the essence.
The acceleration can be frightening for loved ones, especially with mental status changes.
Your loved one may need help with just about any form of activity.
For example, they may have trouble swallowing.This can interfere with medication.
If they have been taking pain medications, they may need liquid morphine now to manage pain.
These sounds can be alarming to caregivers but are not uncommon when someone is dying.
Some people experience a sudden surge of energy that can surprise their loved ones.
These energy bursts are usually short and represent a dying person’s final physical acts before moving on.
The previous signs of being close to death return more strongly once the energy has been spent.
At this stage:
When your loved one stops breathing and their heart stops beating, death has occurred.
Other signs of death include fixed eye gaze, bowel or bladder release, and no muscle tension.
How to Cope With Loss
People deal with grief in different ways.
Reach out to ahospice, social worker, or clergy member to help you navigate the process.
Summary
Signs of the dying process can emerge up to 90 days before someones death.
In the week or two before death, the dying process speeds up.
In the final days or hours of life, many people have a brief surge of energy.
However, once the surge passes, they may appear worse.
You may notice breathing changes and skin discoloration.
Dont hesitate to reach out for support as your loved one approaches death.
Hospice Foundation of America.Signs of approaching death.
National Cancer Institute.Last days of life (PDQ)patient version.
2017;20(3):413-424. doi:10.1007/s11019-017-9764-3
Hospice Foundation of America.When death is near: signs and symptoms.
