Recognizing when death is near

While it's difficult to know when someone is going to die, there are common signs that may indicate the last days or hours of life. These may include:

• Restlessness, confusion or agitation
• Increased sleep or periods of drowsiness
• Loss of appetite
• Irregular breathing or pauses in breathing
• Swelling, coldness or blue coloring in the hands or feet
• Reports of seeing someone who has already died
• Gurgling or crackling sounds with breathing