Final Days of Life: What to Expect and How to Support Your Loved One

The final days of a person’s life can be a profoundly emotional and uncertain time. While no one can predict the exact moment or manner of passing, understanding what to expect can bring a sense of clarity and calm during this sacred phase.

As the end of life approaches, the most important things are safety, privacy, and a peaceful environment. Try to remain open and genuine in your presence—your loved one can sense your calm and care. Your hospice team is always ready to respond with skill and compassion. Don’t hesitate to reach out when you need support.

Common Signs of Approaching Death

Everyone’s journey is unique, but some common physical and behavioral changes may signal that death is near. These include:

• A sudden burst of energy or alertness (“a rally”), where the person may briefly regain clarity, communicate more, or request a favorite meal

• Decreased responsiveness or a coma-like state

• Refusal of food and fluids

• Picking at clothing or reaching out with hands

• Changes in breathing:

  • Long pauses between breaths

  • Irregular rhythm or blowing through the lips

  • Congestion or rattling in the lungs and throat

• Vital sign fluctuations such as changes in pulse, blood pressure, or respiration

• Coolness, perspiration, or clammy skin

These changes are a natural part of the dying process and do not typically indicate suffering. Your hospice nurse can guide you through what’s normal and what might need attention.

What to Report to the Hospice Team

Let your hospice or palliative care team know about any of the following:

• Restlessness, discomfort, or breathing changes

• Emotional or spiritual distress—either for the patient or the family

• Cultural, religious, or personal practices that are important at the end of life

• Funeral home selection and end-of-life preferences (e.g., organ donation)

• Any concerns about caregiving or your own emotional well-being

Support isn’t only for the patient—it’s for the caregivers too. The hospice team includes nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, and bereavement counselors who are here to care for the whole family.

In this final stage, what matters most is presence. Simply being there—offering quiet companionship, holding a hand, or speaking softly—can provide deep comfort. If your family is navigating the last days of a loved one’s life, reach out to our hospice team for guidance, reassurance, and care you can count on.