An the end of your life, nurse has opened up about one particular phenomenon that regularly happens when patients are approaching their final moments before death.
None of us know exactly when we're going to die, but patients in palliative care, struggling with terminal illnesses, or reaching a very old age have a smaller window than most.
Ruby Gramlow, a registered nurse in the US, has gained insight to common signs that someone is approaching their final hours through her work as a hospice and palliative nurse with a nonprofit hospice named Hospice of the Red River Valley (HRRV), which has facilities across more than 50 counties in North Dakota and Minnesota.
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In a blog post written for the hospice, Ruby admitted that navigating transitions towards the end of life is 'one of the most challenging journeys we will all face some day'.
However, through her time working in palliative care, Ruby has become accustomed to certain signs indicating the end of life is approaching, in particular one phenomenon that presents as an 'unpredictable, mysterious flash of life and vitality'.
Describing it as a 'surge of life', Ruby noted that some people may have witnessed this phenomenon while caring for a loved one in their final moments.
The burst of energy is 'usually short', Ruby explained, though it can last anywhere from 'a few minutes to several hours' and can occur one to two days prior to death.
During this period, loved ones or medics may notice that the patient has an increased appetite, better 'wakefulness' or communication, and increased energy which is presenting as restlessness or anxiety.
Ruby noted that 'not everyone will experience such a noticeable burst of energy' as the phenomenon is 'unique to each person'.
While the sudden improvement may look like the patient is getting better, Ruby noted that medics know better.
She explained: "It can be difficult for families and caregivers to acknowledge and understand these sudden changes as anything but signs of recovery. No one wants to lose someone they love. But it’s important the family understands what the patient is experiencing, so they can prepare themselves and the patient for what is to come."
Though Ruby warned loved ones not to assume the patient is getting better, she noted that 'special memories' can develop during the period of renewed energy, and so encourages people to 'enjoy' the time they have while their loved one is more lucid.
"Reminisce, visit, listen to music," she advised. "Use this time to express your feelings and say goodbye. Most importantly, being present with your loved one—even if you don’t know what to say or if you aren’t sharing the same experience—can be meaningful and create a sense of comfort, calm for the person."
Topics: Health, Life, Mental Health
Emily Brown