What does dying look like?

If you have never seen anyone die you may be afraid of what will happen, that is natural, and so is dying.

Caring for a person during the last few weeks and days of life can be stressful and demanding. Many different feelings and emotions may surface at this time. This brochure should help you to understand, anticipate and respond to some of the signs you may notice.

Carers are often concerned that death will be a painful experience for the person. However, the time before death is generally peaceful. There is a gentle winding down that may take several days. The body starts to ‘let go’ of life. If restlessness does occur, it can be treated.

Not all the signs discussed in the brochure will occur with every person, nor will they occur in any particular sequence. Sometimes these signs appear a few hours before death, sometimes a few days. These physical signs are part of the normal, natural process of the person’s body gradually slowing down.

Apart from the signs described here, you may notice other changes that worry you. The palliative care team is there to assist you by providing information and support.

Please ask for help at any time. The team expects to have increased contact with you in the last stages of the person’s life.

You can bring enormous benefit to the person you are caring for simply by sitting with them, holding their hand and speaking in a calm and reassuring manner. Even when the person does not respond, they can probably hear you. Don’t underestimate the value of these simple things. ‘Being with’ can be more important than ‘doing for’.

Download 'The Dying Process' brochure here: PalliativeCare-The-dying-process-brochure_.pdf

You can also order a printed copy here :