End of Life Signs and Timeline
When a loved one is nearing the end of their life, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, unsure of what to expect, and concerned about providing the best care and support.
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Signs and stages before end of life
While everyone’s journey is unique, there are common end of life signs and stages that can help you understand where they are in the process.
Knowing these can help you emotionally prepare and ensure that your loved one’s final days are as peaceful and comfortable as possible.
This period can also serve as a time to consider practical matters, such as ensuring their funeral plans are documented for peace of mind.
One to three months before death
In the months leading up to death, many people begin to withdraw from the world around them. You may notice your loved one sleeping more than usual and showing less interest in social activities or hobbies they once enjoyed. It’s common for them to eat and drink less, often only nibbling at food or sipping small amounts of fluid.
Common end of life signs include:
- Increased sleep and fatigue
- Reduced interest in socialising or hobbies
- Decreased appetite and weight loss
- Emotional withdrawal and less communication
This period can be emotionally challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to talk about your loved one's wishes and make any necessary arrangements.
Encourage conversations about what’s important to them, including their preferences for care, legal matters like wills, and any specific funeral plans.
One to two weeks before death
As your loved one moves closer to the end, you may notice that their physical decline becomes more apparent.
They may become bed-bound, sleeping for most of the day, and will likely have little to no appetite. It’s important not to force food or drink on them; at this stage, the body naturally requires less energy.
Look out for these end of life signs:
- Extended periods of sleep or unresponsiveness
- Minimal food and water intake
- Confusion or restlessness
- Hallucinations, often involving loved ones who have passed
- Changes in body temperature (cool hands and feet)
Try creating a calm environment with soft lighting and soothing music. It's normal for them to experience these symptoms as their body slows down during this stage of the end of life timeline.
Days before death
In the final days, physical signs become more pronounced. You might notice changes in breathing patterns, sometimes described as a "death rattle" due to congestion in the lungs or throat. Breathing may become irregular, with long pauses between breaths. Their skin may start to look mottled or pale, particularly on the hands, feet, and knees.
Signs to be aware of include:
- Irregular or laboured breathing (the “death rattle”)
- Cold, mottled, or discoloured skin on extremities
- Decreased or no response to voice or touch
- Weak pulse and fluctuating heart rate
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
During this time, your loved one might not respond to you, but they can often still hear, so continue to speak in soothing tones. Your presence, even in silence, can provide immense comfort.
Hours before death
As death approaches, the body continues to shut down. Your loved one may be unconscious, with shallow or gasping breaths, and their pulse will become weaker. Their hands, feet, and ears may feel cold to the touch due to reduced circulation. It’s possible that their eyes will remain partially open or look glassy.
Final signs may include:
- Shallow, gasping breaths, or long pauses between breaths
- Cold extremities and discolouration of the skin
- Glassy, unfocused eyes
- Complete loss of response to surroundings
- Weak or irregular pulse
At this stage, it’s most important to be present, holding their hand and offering reassurance. A quiet room with dimmed lighting can create a peaceful atmosphere.
If your loved one shows signs of discomfort, speak with their care team, who can help manage any pain.
If you're worried about a loved one who’s dying
It’s natural to feel concerned about your loved one’s comfort during the dying process. Common worries include whether they’re in pain or struggling to breathe. Rest assured, hospice or palliative care teams are experienced in managing symptoms like pain, agitation, or breathing difficulties. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them for guidance if you feel your loved one needs additional care or support.
To feel better prepared about the next steps, learn about what to do when someone dies.
Arrange a funeral
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If your loved one has passed away or is in the final stages of life, our team is here 24/7 to assist you. Your loved one is brought into our care and prepared for cremation at our mortuary, whilst we support you with all the necessary paperwork and arrangements before carrying out the cremation.
Prepaid funeral plan
From £1,899
Get the funeral you want with a prepaid funeral plan. Planning in advance takes the cost and stress away from your loved ones and protects against rising prices. Acceptance is guaranteed with protection for your money and no medical questions.
Set up a funeral plan for a loved one
Planning ahead with a funeral plan is one of the most compassionate decisions you can make for your loved one and your family. A funeral plan ensures your wishes—such as the type of service, and personal touches—are carried out, while covering the necessary costs in advance. This removes the financial strain and practical stress from your family during an already difficult time.
Our low cost funeral plans let you arrange and pay for a simple and affordable funeral for yourself or a loved one ahead of time.
All of our fuss-free funeral plans include:
Collection by private ambulance and preparation for cremation at our state-of-the-art mortuary facilities
Essential funeral director services including help with all legal and cremation paperwork
A coffin and respectful cremation at one of our 42 crematoriums
Ashes personally delivered back to the family within 14 days or respectfully scattered at the crematorium
How can I support someone who is dying?
Providing support to someone at the end of life can feel overwhelming, but your presence is often the greatest comfort you can offer. Practical things like helping to keep them clean, adjusting their position for comfort, and offering small sips of water can go a long way.
Emotionally, listen if they want to talk, and try to remain calm even if they seem confused or agitated. They may want you to play music they love, arrange for a spiritual visit, or simply sit quietly together.
For more guidance, you can read our article on preparing for the death of a loved one.
Download our free checklist
Here at Distinct Cremations, we have created a free checklist for you to download which lets you know what you need to do when someone dies
Other helpful resources
Anticipatory grief and how to manage it
Anticipatory grief is an experience many of us go through when we know a loved one is coming to the end. But there are ways to manage anticipatory grief and there is support out there.
Preparing for your own death
It's never a nice feeling thinking about your own death, but most of us have plans regarding what will happen to our estate and what will happen at our funeral.
Funeral plans for yourself or a loved one
Whether you're planning for yourself or someone else, funeral plans are worth considering as they allow you to cement the funeral arrangements at a less stressful time.
What our customers say about us
We offer the highest level of support, but don't just take our word for it. Below are recent reviews from customers who bought a funeral with us.
