Someone you Love is Dying

Beams of light coming through the clouds following a storm over Lake Ontario. There are always beams of light. Sometimes they are hard to see.




Although it is impossible to totally prepare for a death, a death may be made easier if you know what to expect. This pamphlet may be helpful in preparing you as family and/or caregiver to understand the final stage of life. It is important to discuss your concerns and fears with those around you, both your family and health care providers. These people can help you make choices with or for your loved one and can inform you about other services that are available to support you.

Death is a natural process as the body begins shutting down. The following physical and emotional signs of approaching death are described to help you understand what can happen. Not all these signs and symptoms will occur with every person nor will they occur in any particular sequence.

Beautiful sunsets are on the horizen. (Westlake in July)

This section is intended only as a guide. It is not intended to replace advice given by a health care professional, such as a nurse, physician, clergy, social worker, CCAC case manager or pharmacist.

 

 

• HELPFUL HINTS

 

 

 

 

 

• PHYSICAL SIGNS OF APPROACHING DEATH

 

 

 

• SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL SIGNS OF APPROACHING DEATH