Certain signs and symptoms can help a caregiver (cg) determine when the Care recipient (cr) is near death some of the more common ones are…

Try: Certain signs and symptoms can help a caregiver (cg) determine when the Care recipient (cr) is near death some of the more common ones are listed below however keep in mind that not every cr experiences all of these signs and symptoms drowsiness increased sleep and or unresponsiveness the cg and family members can plan visits and activities for times when the cr is alert it is important to speak directly to the cr and talk as if he or she can hear even if there is no response most crs are still able to hear after they are no longer able to speak confusion about time place and or identity of loved ones; restlessness; visions of people and places that are not present; pulling at bed linens or clothing gently remind the cr of the time date and people who are with them decreased socialization and withdrawal caused by decreased oxygen to the brain decreased blood flow and mental preparation for dying speak to the cr directly let the cr know you are there for them the individual may be aware and able to hear but unable to respond decreased need for food and fluids and loss of appetite caused by the body body’s need to conserve energy and its decreasing ability to use food and fluids properly allow the cr to choose if and when to eat or drink ice chips water or juice may be refreshing if the cr can swallow keep the cr cr’s mouth and lips moist with products such as glycerin swabs and lip balm loss of bladder or bowel control caused by the relaxing of muscles in the pelvic area keep the patient as clean dry and comfortable as possible place disposable pads on the bed beneath the patient and remove them when they become soiled darkened urine or decreased amount of urine caused by slowing of kidney function and or decreased fluid intake caregivers can consult a member of the patient patient’s health care team about the need to insert a catheter to avoid blockage a member of the health care team can teach the caregiver how to take care of the catheter if one is needed skin becomes cool to the touch particularly the hands and feet; skin may become bluish in color especially on the underside of the body caused by decreased circulation to the extremities blankets can be used to warm the cr although the skin may be cool crs are usually not aware of feeling cold rattling or gurgling sounds while breathing which may be loud; breathing that is irregular and shallow; decreased number of breaths per minute; breathing that alternates between rapid and slow breathing may be easier if the cr cr’s body is turned to the side and pillows are placed beneath the head and behind the back although labored breathing can sound very distressing to the caregiver gurgling and rattling sounds do not cause discomfort to the cr involuntary movements changes in heart rate and loss of reflexes in the legs and arms are additional signs that the end of life is near information references adapted fro www agingcare com

Materials: n/a

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Death near death

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.