Nurse reveals common signs before death

A British hospice nurse says many people who are close to death share similar experiences and often talk about things that happen during their final days or hours.

Penny Hawkins Smith has worked as a hospice nurse for more than 20 years.  During her career she has cared for many patients in the last stage of life and has witnessed their final moments.

She explains that when a person is nearing a natural death they usually begin sleeping more become less aware of the people and surroundings around them and slowly enter a deep state of unconsciousness.

She says this is a normal part of the dying process and families should not panic when they notice these changes.

According to Penny some patients describe unusual experiences shortly before death.

Some say they see loved ones who passed away years earlier while others speak about preparing for a journey or an important trip.

She says these experiences are commonly reported in hospice care. The nurse also notes that many patients appear peaceful rather than frightened during their final moments.

Penny believes people often avoid talking about death because it is seen as an uncomfortable subject.

As a result many families know very little about what usually happens at the end of life which can increase fear and confusion.

She says medical training is mainly focused on saving lives and extending life, so death is sometimes viewed as a failure.

However she stresses that death is a natural part of life.

One of her important roles is helping patients and their families understand that time may be limited and that the physical and emotional changes seen in the final stage are normal.

While every person’s experience is different Penny says many people in the last stage of a serious illness show similar signs including sleeping more responding less to others and gradually becoming physically weaker.