At the end of life—dying explained

While it is difficult to predict exactly how someone will die, there are some physical changes that are often experienced when a person is nearing death. It is important to remember that these changes are a normal part of the dying process and do not mean that the person is in pain or distressed.

Planning ahead—where you would prefer to die

Advance care planning is a process of planning now for future health and personal care so your values, beliefs and preferences are made known. This can help to guide decision-making at a future time if you cannot make or communicate your decisions.

For many people, making a choice in advance about where they would like to spend their final days of life is a very significant decision. Dying at home in a familiar and comforting environment is the preference for many people. Home may also mean a residential aged care facility or on Country in a rural or remote area. Many people would also prefer not to die at home. Both choices are equally valid, and this decision is yours to make.

Your choices around where you would like to die may also change. When you’re still feeling well, dying at home may be your preference. However, as your condition progresses and your circumstances change, you may prefer the extra support that comes with being in a hospital, palliative care inpatient unit or residential aged care facility. It’s okay to make these changes in your preferences.

Talk to your family or carer about your choices and check in with them to make sure that they can cope. Your healthcare team or GP can also provide information and support.

Nearing death

If you have never seen anyone die you may be afraid of what will happen, but the moment of death is usually peaceful. If you would like to know what to expect, this information describes the physical changes in the last days and hours of life.

People are often concerned that death will be a painful experience. However, the time before death is generally peaceful.

Every person’s death is unique, and the symptoms and signs described here may not occur with every person. However, they are all common signs that form part of the normal, natural physical process that happens at the end of life.

If you notice other things occurring that worry you, the healthcare team is there to assist by providing information and support.

Changes you may notice at the end of life can include:

• sleeping more
• loss of appetite
• disinterest in the outside world
• breathing changes
• secretions
• bladder and bowel changes
• disorientation and confusion
• restless moving, twitching, groaning or calling out
• temperature
• dry mouth and dry or cracked lips.

Learn more about the dying process, as well as ways to support and care for a person who is in their final days and hours of life.