I’m an expert and there are key signs to know if someone is about to die – you can tell if they’re days or months away
A MEDICAL expert has revealed the signs to look out for that a loved one is dying, claiming that they can sometimes be spotted months in advance.
Physician Carol DeSarkissian reviewed WebMD’s list of possible indicators that a terminally ill person is dying, including simple things like the person sleeping or snoozing more.
Other early warning signs include eating/drinking less and talking less.
In the tragic cases of terminally ill children, the opposite can be true, with kids become more chatty as their condition worsens.
Patients can also experience more pain as well as changes in blood pressure, breathing rate and heart rate.
More signs include a change in colour of certain areas of skin around the knees, hands and feet.
A drop in temperature and difficulty breathing can also be an indicator
Regardless of symptoms, palliative care experts suggest that being present with your loved on is important.
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Many patients are likely to be comforted by the presence of friends or family, even if they can’t express it.
Advice from Marie Curie said: “They may not respond when people talk to them or touch them.
“Even if someone does not respond to you, they may still be able to feel or hear you and be comforted by you being there.”
The care charity also advised families to “do what feels right for you” when it comes to saying goodbye.
“Some people get worse more quickly than expected. So if there is something you want to say to your family member or friend, it’s important to say it.
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“You may want to ask other family or friends to visit or say goodbye to your loved one. Or you might want to arrange for a religious or spiritual leader to visit.
“Not everyone wants to do this – and that’s OK too. Some people might need time to rest between visitors and might find a large group of people overwhelming. Others might find it comforting to have people around.”