Hospice nurse Julie McFadden has offered insights into the physical changes she observes in people’s faces when they are ‘actively dying.‘
Taking to her YouTube channel, where she educates about ‘death, dying and hospices,’ Julie described that this phase typically lasts a few hours to days, occasionally extending up to three weeks, although very rarely.
She noted that ‘actively dying’ commonly spans around three days and said: “Their face will look a little different, because their eyes will likely be open or partially opened, but not making eye contact with you.”
In addition to the eyes, McFadden mentioned another distinctive change stating: “Their mouth will usually be open, and this is because your eyes and mouth it takes muscles to close your eyes and mouth, to blink, to hold your eye shut, to hold your mouth shut.”
Alongside Julie’s explanations of these end-of-life physical signs, the NHS provides comprehensive information concerning what individuals may undergo in their final moments. .
Describing the physical effects, they explained: “You’ll start to feel more tired and drowsy, and have less energy. You’ll probably spend more time sleeping, and as time goes on you’ll slip in and out of consciousness,” reports Surrey Live.
Additionally, a reduction in appetite and thirst is common during this period, partly because the body’s digestive system begins to shut down as death approaches. Furthermore, due to circulatory problems in the final stages of life, some individuals may experience cold sensations in their extremities.
For more information on end-of-life care, you can visit the NHS website here.