About Transition: Death as a Physical Experience
When a person enters the final stage of the dying process, two different dynamics are at work which are closely interrelated and interdependent.
- On the physical plane, the body begins the final process of shutting down, which will end when all the physical systems cease to function.
- Usually this is an orderly and undramatic progressive series of physical changes which are not medical emergencies requiring invasive interventions.
- These physical changes are a normal, natural way in which the body prepares itself to stop, and the most appropriate kinds of responses are comfort enhancing measures.
- The other dynamic of the dying process at work is on the emotional-spiritual-mental plane, and is a different kind of process.
- The spirit of the dying person begins the final process of release from the body, its immediate environment, and all attachments.
- This release also tends to follow its own priorities, which may include the resolution of whatever is unfinished of a practical nature and reception of permission to “let go” from family members.
- These events are the normal, natural way in which the spirit prepares to move from this existence into the next dimension of life.
- The most appropriate kinds of responses to the emotional-spiritual-mental changes are those which support and encourage this release and transition.
When a person’s body is ready and wanting to stop, but the person is still unresolved or has not reconciled an important issue or a significant relationship, he or she may tend to linger in order to finish whatever needs resolution.
Yet, when a person is emotionally-spiritually-mentally resolved and ready for release, though his or her body has not completed its final physical shut down, the person will continue to live until the shut down process is complete.
The experience we call death occurs when the body completes its natural process of shutting down, and when the spirit completes its natural process of reconciling and finishing. These two processes need to happen in a way appropriate and unique to the values, beliefs, and lifestyle of the dying person.
Not all these signs and symptoms will occur with every person, nor will they occur in this particular sequence. Each person is unique and they need die in their own way. This is not the time to try to change your loved one; rather it is time to give full acceptance, support, and comfort.
The following signs and symptoms are indicative of how the body prepares itself for the final stage of life.
The person´s hands and arms, feet and then legs may be increasingly cool to the touch, and at the same time the color of the skin may change. This a normal indication that the circulation of blood is decreasing to the body’s extremities and being reserved for the most vital organs.
The person may spend an increasing amount of time sleeping, and appear to be uncommunicative or unresponsive and at times be difficult to arouse. This normal change is due in part to changes in the metabolism of the body.
Sit with your loved one, hold his or her hand, but do not shake it or speak loudly. Speak softly and naturally. Plan to spend time with your loved one during those times when he or she seems most alert or awake.
Do not talk about the person in the person’s presence.
Speak to him or her directly as you normally would, even though there may be no response.
Never assume the person cannot hear; hearing is the last of the senses to be lost.
The person may seem to be confused about the time, place, and identity of surrounding people, including close and familiar people. This is also due to changes in metabolism.
Identify yourself by name before you speak rather than to ask the person to guess who you are.
Speak softly, clearly, and truthfully when you need to communicate something important for the patient’s comfort for things like, “It is time to take your medication.”
Also, explain the reason for the communication such as, “So you won’t begin to hurt.”
Do not use this method to try to manipulate the patient to meet your needs.
The person may lose control of urine and/or bowels as the muscles in that area begin to relax.
The person may have gurgling sounds coming from his or her chest as though marbles were rolling around inside these sounds may become very loud.
This normal change is due to the decrease of fluid intake and an inability to cough up normal secretions.
Suction usually only increases the secretions and causes sharp discomfort. Instead, gently turn the persons head to the side and allow gravity to drain the secretions.
You may also gently wipe the mouth with a moist cloth. The sound of the congestion does not indicate the onset of severe or new pain.
The person may make restless and repetitive motions such as pulling at bed linen or clothing. This often happens and is due in part to the decrease in oxygen circulation to the brain and to metabolism changes.
Do not interfere with or try to restrain such motions. To have a calming effect, speak in a quiet, natural way, lightly massage the forehead, read to the person, or play some soothing music.
Apply decoupling here.
The person´s urine output normally decreases and may become tea colored referred to as concentrated urine. This is due to the decreased fluid intake as well as decrease in circulation through the kidneys.
Fluid and Food Decrease
The person may have a decrease in appetite and thirst, wanting little or no food or fluid.
- The body is naturally conserving the energy which is expended on these tasks.
- Do not try to force food or drink into the person, or try to use guilt to manipulate them into eating or drinking something. To do this only makes the person much more uncomfortable.
- A cool, moist washcloth on the forehead may also increase physical comfort. Use ice chips.
Breathing Pattern Change
The person s regular breathing pattern may change with the onset of a different breathing pace.
- A particular pattern consists of breathing irregularly, i.e., shallow breaths with periods of no breathing of five to thirty seconds and up to a full minute. This is called Cheyne-Stokes breathing.
- The person may also experience periods of rapid shallow pant-like breathing. These patterns are very common and indicate decrease in circulation in the internal organs. Elevating the head, and/or turning the person onto his or her side may bring comfort.
- Hold your loved one’s hand. Speak gently.
Death as a Soul Experience
During the dying process, the Soul speaks through the body as the Ego Self becomes diminished.
The person may seem unresponsive, withdrawn, or in a comatose-like state. This indicates preparation for release, a detaching from surroundings and relationships, and a beginning of letting go.
Since hearing remains all the way to the end, speak to your loved one in your normal tone of voice, identifying yourself by name when you speak, hold his or her hand, and say whatever you need to say that will help the person let go.
The person may speak or claim to have spoken to persons who have already died, or to see or have seen places not presently accessible or visible to you. This does not indicate an hallucination or a drug reaction. The person is beginning to detach from this life and is being prepared for the transition so it will not be frightening.
- Do not contradict, explain away, belittle or argue about what the person claims to have seen or heard.
- Just because you cannot see or hear it does not mean it is not real to your loved one. Affirm his or her experience. They are normal and common.
- If they frighten your loved one, explain that they are normal occurrences.
The person may perform repetitive and restless tasks.
- This may in part indicate that something still unresolved or unfinished is disturbing him or her, and prevents him or her from letting go.
- Things which may be helpful in calming the person are to recall a favorite place the person enjoyed, a favorite experience, read something comforting, play music, and give assurance that it is OK to let go.
The person may only want to be with a very few or even just one person. This is a sign of preparation for release and affirms from whom the support is most needed in order to make the appropriate transition.
- If you are not part of this inner circle at the end, it does not mean you are not loved or are unimportant.
- It means you have already fulfilled your task with your loved one, and it is the time for you to say Good-bye.
- If you are part of the final inner circle of support, the person needs your affirmation, support, and permission.
The person may make a seemingly out of character or non sequitur statement, gesture, or request.
- This indicates that he or she is ready to say Good-bye and is testing you to see if you are ready to let him or her go.
- Accept the moment as a beautiful gift when it is offered. Kiss, hug, hold, cry, and say whatever you most need to say.
Giving permission to your loved one to let go, without making him or her guilty for leaving or trying to keep him or her with you to meet your own needs, can be difficult.
- A dying person will normally try to hold on, even though it brings prolonged discomfort, in order to be sure those who are going to be left behind will be all right.
- Therefore, your ability to release the dying person from this concern and give him or her assurance that it is all right to let go whenever he or she is ready is one of the greatest gifts you have to give your loved one at this time.
When the person is ready to die and you are able to let go, then is the time to say good-bye.
- Saying good-bye is your final gift of love to your loved one, for it achieves closure and makes the final release possible.
- It may be helpful to lay in bed and hold the person, or to take his or her hand and then say everything you need to say.
It may be as simple as saying, I love you. It may include recounting favorite memories, places, and activities you shared. It may include saying, I’m sorry for whatever I contributed to any tension or difficulties in our relationship. It may also include saying, Thank you for…
- Tears are a normal and natural part of saying good-bye.
- Tears do not need to be hidden from your loved one or apologized for.
- Tears express your love and help you to let go.
How Will You Know When Death Has Occurred?
Although you may be prepared for the death process, you may not be prepared for the actual death moment.
It may be helpful for you and your family to think about and discuss what you would do if you were the one present at the death moment.
The signs of death include such things as no breathing, no heartbeat, release of bowel and bladder, no response, eyelids slightly open, pupils enlarged, eyes fixed on a certain spot, no blinking, jaw relaxed and mouth slightly open.