The person who is dying may not feel cold themselves.
Their skin may also look pale or mottled with blue and purple patches. Reduced circulation means a dying person’s skin will be cold to the touch. This means very little blood is still flowing to their hands, feet, or legs. In the days before a person dies, their circulation reduces so that blood is focused on their internal organs. Share on Pinterest A drop in body temperature may mean there is very little blood flowing to the hands. If this happens to a dying person, their loved ones should help them lift things or turn over in bed. Drinking from a cup or turning over in bed may no longer be tasks they can do. Weak muscles mean the individual may not be able to carry out the small tasks that they were able to previously. In the days leading up to a person’s death, their muscles may become weak. Speaking to the hospital about a catheter for the person may help. These changes can be distressing to witness in a loved one, but they are to be expected. When they stop eating and drinking completely, they may no longer need to use the toilet. They may pass less solid waste less often. Changing toilet habitsīecause a dying person is eating and drinking less, their bowel movements may reduce. But these changes are not painful, so it may help to try not to focus overly on them. Seeing this and the other changes in a loved one may be distressing.
If a person is caring for a dying loved one who loses their appetite, they should let them eat when they feel hungry. They stop eating or drinking as much, as their appetite gradually reduces. This means their body needs less energy than it did. Share on Pinterest A decreased appetite may be a sign that death is near.Īs a person approaches death, they become less active.