There are ways to make sure comfort and dignity are maintained as much as possible. Near the end of life, some people lose control of their bladder or bowels as their muscles relax. Read more about eating and drinking less at the end of life. Their doctor or nurse can look at whether extra nutrition or fluids are needed and talk about the advantages and disadvantages of giving these. If someone is expected to die within hours or days, this is unlikely to help them live longer or make them feel better, and it can cause other problems. People sometimes ask about having food or drink through a tube if someone is unable to swallow. This is normal and they shouldn’t be forced. Some people don’t want to eat or drink or aren’t able to at the end of their life. People who have problems chewing might prefer to eat soft, high-calorie foods such as ice cream and yoghurt. If the person feels thirsty and has problems swallowing, taking small sips, trying different cups, sucking on ice chips or swabbing their mouth might help. The people around the person can help them to eat and drink if they want to and feel able to. Some people have difficulty swallowing, a sore or dry mouth, or feel sick. Tastes can change and people won’t always need to eat at the same times every day. Wanting to eat or drink less is natural as the body uses less energy. Read more about making someone's room comfortable. People can be kept comfortable by making practical changes like using blankets or opening a window. Feeling hot or coldįeeling hot or cold happens because the body isn’t regulating temperature as well as it used to. Find out more about caring for someone under the heading 'helping with practical tasks'. Read more ways to manage weakness and fatigue when someone has a terminal illness.Īt this stage, lots of help is needed with things like washing, eating and going to the toilet. Needing to sleep more than usual is normal. Some people need to spend more time in a chair or in bed as everyday activities become too tiring.
Speak to the person’s doctor or nurse if you are worried or would like more information about what to expect. Read more about oedema (fluid build up).Ĭhanges in appearance can be upsetting for people who are ill as well as the people around them. This can be caused by their illness or by certain medicines. Some people gain weight or have swelling or puffiness, sometimes called oedema (fluid build-up).
This can be caused by their illness, treatments or loss of appetite. It’s common for people to lose weight and muscle and look thin or frail. It’s difficult to predict what will happen, but knowing some of the possibilities provides a chance to think ahead and prepare. The symptoms that someone has might depend on their illnesses, their general health and wellbeing, and treatments they’ve had or are having. Read more about the final moments of life.
And they can also be caused by other things, particularly if someone has just one or two changes.Īs someone approaches the end of life and is in the last hours of life, they might experience other changes. When someone’s dying, the body slows down and shows signs that the person is approaching the end of their life. Why do changes happen at the end of life?
Don’t be afraid to ask them if you’d like more information - palliative care doctors and nurses are there to support you, as well as the person who is ill. Your loved one’s doctors and nurses should be able to give you information about what changes might happen at the end of life. Palliative care doctors and nurses are experts in looking after people who have a terminal illness (an illness that they will die from). It may be reassuring to know that most problems can be managed with good palliative care. Learning about these changes can make the future seem less frightening and make you feel more prepared.
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