Many relatives become anxious when a seriously ill person changes behavior. It can seem sudden and difficult to understand.
According to hospice nurse Julie McFadden, who spoke to LADbible, these are well-known bodily reactions that are often seen in the final stage of life.
Julie McFadden has experience in palliative care and shares her knowledge on YouTube under the name Hospice Nurse Julie.
The body slows down
One of the earliest signs is a decreased desire for food and drink.
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According to Julie McFadden, it is normal for the body to no longer require the same amount of energy as before.
At the same time, many people sleep more and withdraw from social contact, LADbible reports.
Physical strength also diminishes. This can mean that the patient has greater difficulty moving or managing daily tasks.
According to Julie McFadden, this is not a sign of suffering but an indication that the body is conserving energy.
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Changes in consciousness
Confusion and periods of disorientation may occur. According to LADbible, Julie McFadden explains that some people begin to talk about or see deceased family members.
She describes this as a sign she has often observed in patients close to death.
Others experience changes in their gaze or begin to stare into space. This can seem frightening, but Julie McFadden emphasizes that it is a well-known part of the process.
Other signs of death
Other signs described by Julie McFadden include changes in breathing, fever, changes in skin color, and restlessness.
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Her aim is to make death less frightening by explaining what happens.
Many of these signs are normal, and knowledge can help relatives better understand the final stage of life.
Sources: LADbible, and Hospice Nurse Julie.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.