The body is preparing to leave naturally.
The days preceding the end of life can be experienced as complex and emotionally intense moments, both for the person concerned and for their loved ones. This period often highlights the vulnerability of the body, the uncertainty linked to the evolution of the state of health, and upsets the usual landmarks in relationships. “”This is called “the transition phase” which is slightly variable depending on the people. It is a somewhat blurred “gray” area: it is neither all black nor all white “explains Julie McFadden, nurse in palliative care.
As for the duration of this phase, it is difficult to assess it precisely, because it depends on many individual factors.
“”In a person with dementia, she can last one to two months. A person with advanced terminal cancer probably has a little less time because his body goes out faster“, She explains. In general, this transition period extends over a few days, according to the expert.
There are signs that allow you to better understand than the body is entering this phase. “”The most important sign is that the person spends much more time sleeping – it can be until 18 hours a day – and eats much less than before“. For example, he only takes one to two spoons of soft food and no longer wants to eat. Basically, it is”Lots of sleep, little food and drink“, she sums up. The person is quite lethargic, we must encourage him to eat or drink. Or when he is left alone for 2 minutes, he tends to fall asleep. “The body is preparing to leave naturally: it increases its production of calcium, which will promote drowsiness and deactivate the mechanisms of hunger and thirst in the brain“She explains in her video.
Faced with this state, “There is not much to do, explains Julie McFadden, And that’s why it’s horrible for some families“.”One of the most comforting things I have learned is that you have to accept that the body is scientifically and biologically done to be born and to go out“When it is the end, it activates natural mechanisms which facilitate a smooth transition. The more we accept them, the more the person will go peacefully and the better things will happen. “Be there with her fully present and not in a panicked way. Respect her needs and those of her body. You can of course offer her her favorite food and maybe she will take a few bites, but don’t force her to eat“, She concludes.
