End of life: Caring for someone who is dying

Articles

Choosing where to die Spirituality at the end of life Saying goodbye Content Best practices in end-of-life care Making decisions Supporting spiritual needs Supporting emotional needs Recognizing when death is near Providing comfort Keeping vigil

It's important to know steps you can take to provide comfort during the last days and hours before death.

Problems	Comforting care
Not eating	Feed small spoonfuls of food. Use ice chips or a damp sponge to keep the mouth moist.
Dryness around the face	Use a damp cloth to relieve dryness around the eyes. Apply lip balm or petroleum jelly to the lips.
Labored breathing	Gently turn the person's head, adjust pillows or raise the head of the bed. Use a cool-mist humidifier. Ask the medical team about medication or the use of oxygen.
Skin irritation	Gently apply lotion to dry skin. Learn how to move and adjust the person safely in bed to avoid the development of sores.
Incontinence	Learn how to change incontinence pads or ask about the use of a catheter.
Agitation, confusion	Speak calmly and be reassuring. Hold hands or use a gentle touch if it's comforting. Remind the person where he or she is and who is there. Ask the medical team for help if significant agitation occurs.
Pain	Give pain medication as directed. Ask the medical team to adjust medication if needed.
Sensitivity to temperature	Pay attention to clues to whether the person feels hot or cold. Adjust the room temperature and bedding as needed.