💬 If Your Parent Shows These 4 Signs, They May Be Nearing the End of Life — How to Prepare with Love and Dignity

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2. Changes in Appetite and Fluid Intake

  • Loss of hunger and thirst is normal near the end of life
  • The body no longer needs food or water in the same way
  • Forcing food or fluids can cause discomfort or bloating

✅ What you can do:

  • Offer small sips if they ask — but don’t insist
  • Use moist swabs or lip balm to keep their mouth comfortable
  • Focus on comfort, not calories

3. Noticeable Changes in Breathing

  • Breathing may become slower, irregular, or shallow
  • You might notice “Cheyne-Stokes” breathing — periods of gasping followed by pauses
  • A “death rattle” (gurgling sound) may occur as muscles relax and secretions build

✅ What you can do:

  • Turn their head gently to the side to help drainage
  • Keep the room quiet and calm
  • Ask hospice staff about medications to reduce discomfort

4. Withdrawal from Surroundings

  • Your parent may seem less responsive or stop speaking
  • They may appear to be “looking inward” or watching something unseen
  • This is not a sign of fear — it’s a common part of the dying process
  • Continue reading…

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