Families & Caregivers
End-of-Life Signs
As a loved one approaches the end of life, you may notice changes in their body, breathing, and behavior. These signs are normal, they are signs that the body is gently preparing.
Common changes in the final weeks and days include:
- •Sleeping more, or being difficult to rouse
- •Eating and drinking less, or stopping entirely
- •Withdrawal from conversation or the people around them
- •Increased periods of confusion or restlessness
- •Changes in breathing, slower, faster, or with longer pauses (Cheyne-Stokes breathing)
- •Mottled skin on the hands, feet, and legs
- •Hands and feet feeling cool to the touch
- •A long pause in breathing, followed by very slow, shallow breaths
You are not alone in this.
Call us any time you have a question or concern. Our nurses are trained to help you understand what you're seeing, and we'll be with you every step of the way.
📞 (803) 744-3550