Los Angeles Palliative Care – Common Emotional and Spiritual End-of-Life Signs

Los Angeles hospice care providers wont know when a loved one you care deeply about will pass away. Most families want to let their loved one know they love and appreciate them at the end-of-life stage. They want to ensure that their loved one passes away comfortably and doesn’t experience pain. To help caregivers and families understand what to expect at the end-of-life stage, we have compiled a list of emotional and end-of-life signs witnessed in most palliative care patients.

Emotional and Spiritual End-of-Life Signs

Confusion

People who are near death often experience confusion regarding their whereabouts and what time it is. They may not even identify people around them; therefore, caretakers must tell their name before speaking clearly, so the hospice patient doesn’t get further disoriented.

Sleeping

Patients who are near death often sleep more and become unresponsive and difficult to arouse. It is best for family members to sit quietly and hold their hand to provide them comfort.

Restlessness

Some patients feel restless and often pull on their clothing or the bed linen when they experience difficulties with breathing. It is best not to restrain them or interfere with their movements. You can lightly massage their forehead to show you are near and offer them comfort.

Withdrawal

The patient may seem withdrawn or in a comatose-like state at the time when death is near. It is a typical symptom near death. Family members can hold the patient’s hand and say soothing words in a normal voice.

Vision-like Experiences

The patient sometimes says that they have spoken to people who may be deceased or have been to places you have not seen. These vision-like experiences should not be contradicted or explained away. When a loved one affirms their visions and provides reassurance, it helps the patient calm down and feel at peace.