HealthInfo Piki Te Ora Southern
Understanding the dying process
Te mārama ki te ara mate haere
This page has links to information in other languages.
It is very difficult to predict exactly what will happen when someone dies.
Some people go downhill very quickly, become unconscious and die within hours. Some people are awake and alert right to the end, while others may be in and out of consciousness over a few days.
No matter how much you want to care for your loved one at home, it may be impossible to keep this up for 24 hours a day. This sometimes means they will have to go to hospital, a hospice or long-term care. For example, a care home or private hospital. If that happens, do not feel you have failed or let your loved one down. You can still support and care for them even if they are not at home.
There is no right way or place to die. You and your whānau (family) will go through it in your own way when the time comes.
Enjoy precious time
Time at the end of life can be precious. Make the most of any chance to share special moments, express your feelings, say goodbye and perhaps discuss any unresolved issues.
Tamariki (children) and rangatahi (teenagers) need open and honest information from adults when someone they love is dying. It is important to include them in whānau (family) discussions and in caring for the person. Encourage them to talk about how they are feeling and to ask questions.
Signs that someone will die soon
Possible signs |
What to do |
|---|---|
A dying person usually becomes drowsy and spends more time sleeping. At times they may be difficult to rouse. This is because their organs are slowing down and getting ready to stop. |
The best time to communicate is when they seem alert. Never assume that your loved one cannot hear. Keep talking to them. |
They need less food and drink. Almost everyone will completely stop eating and drinking. |
Do not offer them food or drink if they cannot swallow as this may upset them. Instead, keep their mouth moist using swabs dipped in water or fruit juice (your nurse will provide these). Moisten their lips with petroleum jelly (Vaseline). |
They may become confused about the time of day or night, where they are and the identity of whānau and friends. |
Talk calmly and confidently to reassure them. Tell them your name. Use a night light and keep familiar objects in the room. |
They may become restless or agitated. This may be because they are uncomfortable, afraid or want to resolve unfinished business. |
Try changing their position, moistening their mouth or finding out if they need to go to the toilet. Try to find out what is worrying them and offer comfort and reassurance. Contact your nurse or doctor for advice. |
Their arms and legs may feel cool, and their lips, fingers and toes may look blue. This is because their blood circulation is slowing down. |
Avoid too many blankets as this can make them overheat and become restless. |
When they are very close to death, they may lose control of their bowel or bladder. |
Use incontinence pads and sheets to keep them comfortable and protect the bed. They may need a catheter to drain urine. |
They may have more saliva and mucus in the back of their throat as they become too weak to cough or swallow. |
Sit them up a little or turn them to one side. It may help to perform mouth care for them. Talk to your doctor or nurse as medication might help. |
Their breathing may become irregular, and they may stop breathing at times. Their breathing can be noisy due to air passing over saliva at the back of their throat. This is a normal part of the dying process as their respiratory system slows down and is not distressing to them. |
This is usually a late sign. Contact whānau who wish to be with them when they die. |
Knowing when someone has died
The death process can be both sudden and gentle. You'll probably know instinctively that the person is no longer alive. Some things to look for and be aware of are:
- they will be unresponsive and not breathing or moving
- their eyes and mouth may be slightly open
- the colour of their skin will become paler and cooler
- stiffness does not occur for several hours after death.
It is very helpful if you note the approximate time of death.
If you need help or advice, contact your general practice team or district nurse.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Nurse Maude – Understanding the dying process
Information about what happens when a person is dying and what to do after they have died.
- The Palliative Outcomes Initiative (POI) – Patient resources
Brochures about palliative care and end of life in English, Arabic, Chinese, Cook Island Māori, Hindi, Korean, Samoan and Tongan.
On the next page: Looking after yourself when caring for someone who is dying
Written by Nurse Maude Hospice Palliative Care Services. Adapted by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed July 2024.
SourcesReview key: HIWSD-76097
