Asked and Answered

As death nears, it’s very common for people to withdraw from social interaction. They may speak very little, even to loved ones, and may seem uninterested in what’s going on around them. Some family members describe this as the person just fading away. Social withdrawal is a natural part of the dying process and is not a judgment on others. 

When someone in the family is diagnosed with a terminal illness, it’s important to do things sooner than later, rather than wait for the right time. The timing of a visit depends on how much visitors will want to talk and interact with your mother. Some people want to visit when the dying person has enough energy to talk and interact. Others... 

There are several signs that can indicate that someone is nearing death: physical condition; eating; breathing; mental condition. Physical condition Deterioration in physical condition is usually the first sign that someone is near the end of life. The deterioration may be gradual or quick, and is reflected in the person’s level of energy... 

Sometimes people who are in their final days or hours of life have a brief period of physical or mental improvement. It’s not clear why this happens, but these are some possible explanations: 1. A person near death may have spent a few days in an unresponsive state. This period without much activity may help the body rest, so the person may...