From her extensive experience, hospice nurse Julie McFadden reveals that patients in their last day generally show three distinct signs. The “death rattle” sound, caused by accumulated fluids in the airway; irregular breathing including gasps often called agonal breaths; and the death stare, an unresponsive look with eyes open but no focus.
Importantly, McFadden reassures that these symptoms are part of the natural dying process and cause no pain. She stresses that patients may retain awareness and comfort from loved ones’ voices, as hearing is often the last sense to fade.
Understanding these markers prepares families to support patients compassionately during their final hours.
