The end of our life’s journey isn't something that any of us would want to think about, but it's important to remember that all of us will inevitably pass away. If you know someone close to you who is at the "end of life" stage, then it's worth noting that you're likely to see some physical and emotional changes in that person as he or she moves closer towards the inevitable end. These stages will happen to most people regardless of the illness or condition that they have at the terminal stage. Here, we'll look at everything you need to know about end of life stages.
Drowsiness and Cold Hands or Feet:
Some of the first symptoms a person might experience when it comes to learning everything you need to know about end of life stages is cold hands or feet, and drowsiness. People at the end of their life generally feel more exhausted and have less energy. They may spend more time sleeping and gradually slip in and out of consciousness. In addition, changes to circulation may mean that their hands feel cold or even freezing. Extra blankets can help them feel warm, but their skin may still appear slightly blue due to the limited amount of oxygen within the blood.
Problems with Drinking or Eating:
A lack of interest in food or drink is a common observation for people who are dying. During this stage, it's likely that people will find it difficult to swallow medications normally, and healthcare professionals will likely discuss alternative ways to give the medicine that are needed. The patient’s carers or family members might find it upsetting or worrying that the concerned person is not eating or drinking, but they shouldn't need force him or her to eat. As a person gets closer to death, the body is unable to digest food properly, and food or drink will become unnecessary.
Changes in Breathing Pattern:
When learning everything you need to know about end of life stages, it's worth noting that changes in breathing pattern are quite common. People who are nearing the end often find that they have periods of shallow breathing interspersed with periods of deeper breathing. Some people take pauses between periods of deep breathing before they begin again. Some patients breathe more noisily because of a build-up of mucus in the system. This sound can be upsetting to the family and friends around that person during the end of life stage.
Hallucination and Confusion:
Finally, when discovering everything you need to know about end of life stages, it's important to remember that it's not uncommon for chemical changes in the patient’s brain to cause hallucinations or confusion. People who are dying might not recognize the people around them or they many no longer know where they are, while some may even appear to be in distress. The medical team at hand should be able to treat some of the underlying causes that might be causing discomfort in someone who is dying. Usually, medications can be given to remove pain and calm the person who is moving through his or her final stages of life.