Often times people begin to withdraw from friends, family and the world around them as a normal part of the dying process. This process may begin as early as a week before the death. The person may stay in bed all day and spend more time asleep than awake.
With the withdrawal comes less of a need to communicate with others; touch and silence take on more meaning. People at this point may seem unresponsive and difficult to arouse or may appear to be in a coma-like state. This detaching from surroundings and relationships may be preparation for release and letting go.
How to Manage Withdrawal:
- Plan activities and visits for times of day when the person seems most alert.
- Because hearing remains intact to the end, speak to the person in your normal tone of voice.
- Identify yourself by name when you speak. Tell the person what you are going to do before you do it. For example: “Bob, this is Karen. I’m going to clean your mouth now.”
- Remember not to say anything in front of the person that you wouldn’t say if he or she were awake.
