Many people have little or no prior experience of dying and death, and perhaps only have scenes from movies as some kind of guide. It is useful to talk with health professionals and ask any questions that need to be answered. There are no ‘silly’ questions for health professionals. It may be important for some to receive detailed information about what to expect. Or it may be that knowing advice and support is available is reassurance enough.

As a person approaches death, they will be likely to experience a variety of changes, such as decreasing energy and being easily tired. During this time, health professionals are likely to be seen more frequently. This will include the GP and community nurse for someone being cared for in the community. A palliative care team may be involved for a patient at home or in a hospital.

It is important to be free of symptoms like pain and nausea. Many people also prefer to be alert and be able to communicate with those around them. People often eat and drink less, and spend increasing time sleeping.

Some people will want to know what happens physically as death approaches. There are common changes that most people will go through in one form or another depending on the nature of their illness. This can be a change in colour, in circulation or breathing patterns. However, each person’s death is individual, just as their life is.

Resources

• Palliative Care Australia has a brochure About the process of dying
• The Cancer Council of Australia has a website with information on what happens in the final days of life
• The Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services has produced a factsheet on Dying at Home
• The Canadian Virtual Hospice has a comprehensive section on When death is near
• The Cancer Council of Australia has a website with information on anticipatory grief.

Related CareSearch pages

Preparing for the end 
Caring at the end
 

This page was created on 26 May 2009
Last updated 5 July 2011*