Again, it is recommended for families and caregivers to discuss the dying process with the patient’s attending physician or hospice team for a deeper understanding of what to look for. Find more information on the last hours and days, including advice for carers and relatives. Ellershaw J(1), Ward C. Author information: (1)Marie Curie Centre Liverpool, Speke Road, Liverpool L25 8QA. Inouye SK, Peduzzi PN, Robison JT, et al. 24 Hours Before Death Symptoms. This guideline covers the clinical care of adults (18 years and over) who are dying during the last 2 to 3 days of life. BMJ 2003; 326:30. During the last 24 hours of your loved one’s life, much of your loved one’s time will be spent sleeping. Ellershaw J, Ward C. Care of the dying patient: the last hours or days of life. As the dying process continues, the patient will exhibit certain physical symptoms, especially during the final days of life. jellershaw@mariecurie.org.uk It aims to improve end of life care for people in their last days of life by communicating respectfully and involving them, and the people important to them, in decisions and by maintaining their comfort and dignity. Care of the dying patient: the last hours or days of life. The goals are to prevent or relieve suffering as much as possible and to improve quality of life while respecting the dying person's wishes. Comfort care is an essential part of medical care at the end of life.It is care that helps or soothes a person who is dying. While awake, they will have difficulty interacting with you because many of their senses may be failing.

JAMA 1998; 279:1187. Importance of functional measures in predicting mortality among older hospitalized patients. However, their hearing should remain, and may be the only way they can experience the world.