Death is usually not sudden. Generally one becomes weaker over time and more time is spent sleeping. Energy levels may decrease substantially and one becomes more reliant on others. It is likely that there will be a lack of interest in eating or drinking and just enough fluid to keep the mouth moist will be required.

Visit our resources library to download helpful brochures on the “Process of Dying” and “What to do when someone dies“.

Preparing for death

It is possible to prepare for the time of death and with some diseases the doctor can give you some idea of when you may expect death to occur. In other diseases this is very difficult. You may like to ask your doctor or nurse about what can be expected around the time of death. This may help one to be less anxious about what will happen.

One can prepare for death by creating memories. For example there are many ways messages can be left behind and this includes writing letters to people who are special or to those you have not seen in a long time. Other examples include:

• Diaries
• Photo albums
• Time capsules (small packages opened at a later date)
• Video/audio recordings
•  Obituary

Special possessions can include jewellery, a favourite book, art, music or writing. These can be distributed in a will or given now which provides an opportunity to explain the importance of the treasure and why they have been chosen as a gift.

Visit our website links under the section dying and death for more information available on other websites.