RespiteMatch.com Health Blog

As a person approaches the dying process, a natural slowing down of the body’s physical and mental systems occur. This process is different for each individual and may vary from hours to days, weeks, and even months.

There are some signs and symptoms that may indicate that the dying process is approaching. These changes may help you recognize the approach of the dying process:

Increased fears, including a fear of being left alone
Increased awareness of spiritual and/or religious issues
Withdrawal from family and friends
Increased weakness, requiring more assistance with care
Increase or decrease in pain
Increased drowsiness and sleeping
Decreased swallow reflex
Decreased desire for food or fluids

Usually the more symptoms the patient experiences, the more likely they are approaching the dying process. If you are concerned or unsure about how to manage these or other symptoms, please ask or call your health care professional. They will help you draw from your own resources and those available to you through different programs to ease this difficult time. You are not alone.