If someone is closed to death, there are physical changes they may experience – but what should you look out for? Hospice experts explain the most common signs
When someone is nearing the end of their life there are small changes in their hands, skin, and breathing that signify they are close to passing away, hospice experts have explained.
Marie Curie, the UK’s leading end-of-life charity, said that one sign that someone is near to the end of their life is that their hands, feet, arms, and legs may feel colder. Their skin may also look mottled which could appear blue or red on lighter skin tones, or purple or brown on darker tones.
The charity also explained some people have noisy breathing, while others’ breathing can slow down and become irregular. You may also notice that someone nearing the end is sleeping for longer periods of time – and they may lose consciousness, but could still be able to hear you or feel your touch.
However, not everyone has these changes and some people will experience these symptoms for hours, days, or even longer before they die.
Marie Curie said: “These changes are a normal and natural part of dying. They do not usually cause the person pain or distress. If you think the person is uncomfortable or you’re worried, speak to their doctor, nurse or care home staff.”
When it comes to the moment of death, it isn’t always clear when it occurs. However, some people may notice their loved one’s face suddenly relaxing and their mouth might fall open. They may look peaceful, and their skin may look paler than normal and have a waxy appearance to it.
But what about the person dying? We don’t know what somebody who is dying feels or sees. However, some people who have had near-death experiences have reported seeing a light, or meeting with people they knew had died.
When someone has died and you’re in a hospital, hospice or care home, you should tell a member of staff. If you’re at home, you will need to call the GP or community nurse as soon as you feel able to, so they can arrange a visit to confirm the death.
You may have heard stories about people who have waited to die until they saw a family member arrive or had a particularly important conversation, but others may pass away at an unexpected time.
Many people may wonder, can we control when we die? The charity explained: “It’s impossible to know why people die at the precise moment they do. They may have little control over those final moments.”
If you have been affected by someone you love dying and found the death upsetting, speak to a doctor, nurse, or bereavement counsellor. You can also contact the free Marie Curie Marie Curie Bereavement Support Service on 0800 090 2309.