Dying explained

At the end of life

While it is difficult to predict exactly how someone will die, there are consistent physical changes that are often experienced as a person's brain and body slow down when 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.

Preferred place of death

For many, deciding in advance where to spend their final days of life is significant. Dying at home, in a familiar and comforting environment, is a common preference. For some, home may also mean a residential aged care facility or being on country in a rural or remote area. Others may prefer not to die at home. Both choices are equally valid, and the decision is personal.

Preferences about the place of death may change over time. Initially, dying at home might be preferred, but as conditions progress and circumstances change, the extra support provided by a hospital, palliative care inpatient unit, hospice, or residential aged care facility may become more desirable. It is okay to change these preferences.

Discuss your choices with your family or carers to ensure they can cope. Healthcare teams or GPs can also provide information and support.

Advance care planning involves preparing for future health and personal care by making values, beliefs, and preferences known. This helps guide decision-making, especially if future circumstances prevent making or communicating decisions.

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.

Every person’s death is unique, symptoms and signs described here may not occur. 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, speak to your healthcare team; they are there to provide 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 (slowing or irregularity)
• build-up of secretions which may cause noisy breathing
• bladder and bowel changes
• disorientation and confusion
• restless moving, twitching, groaning or calling out
• temperature
• dry mouth and dry or cracked lips.

Seeing these changes can be confronting or distressing. Reach out to your support network for comfort during this time.

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.