What Are the Stages of Death and What to Do

Medical & Care

What Are the Stages of Death and What to Do

Dying is a painfully individual experience but it shares common physiological patterns for most humans.
From the shift in clinical signs to the subsequent breakdown of biological functions and eventual cellular disintegration, the process of dying is relatively well-documented. Understanding what the stages of death are helps us prepare and assist those close to us most adequately.

  1. Early stage — Clinical transition; fading of signs that marks the beginning of death
  2. Middle stage — Biological deterioration; essential organ function begins to decline
  3. Late stage — Cellular breakdown; individual cells begin to disintegrate

    4. Each stage is also recognizable by distinct signs and symptoms displayed by the dying.

    The Three Medical Stages of Death

    As the final moments of life come closer, a remarkable shift occurs in both body and mind.

    In these last stages of life, we witness distinct physical changes. Organs gradually shut down, breathing patterns alter, and circulation slows.

    Simultaneously, the mind experiences profound shifts in consciousness. Subjectively, these changes in perception are unique, but most of their physical manifestations have been documented.

    Early Stage of Dying

    The early stages of dying bring about a range of feelings and sensations. Particularly pronounced in cancer patients, unpleasant bodily sensations are signs that death is near.

    Patients often exhibit a decline in eating and drinking, and eating becomes burdensome rather than enjoyable, as the body conserves energy, requiring less nourishment. 

    Physical symptoms such as heightened aches, fatigue can start to set in. Emotionally, mood swings and a shift in mental well-being occur, often fueled by the fear of death or leaving loved ones behind, accompanied by a decreasing interest in regular activities.

    What You Can Do

    During these last stages of life, a caring and understanding atmosphere becomes essential to offer comfort and connection.

    • Give patients small amounts of food, sips of fluids, or ice chips, respecting their choices regarding eating and drinking
    • Surround the dying with a peaceful and loving atmosphere
    • Hold their hand or offer gentle physical comfort
    • Engage in heartfelt conversations; more importantly, listen actively
    • Respect and fulfill their wishes and preferences
    • Share memories or express love together
    • Try to organize visits from friends and family, to provide opportunities to say goodbye and ask for forgiveness
    • Work closely with healthcare professionals for the best possible care

      • Hospice care and death doulas can help navigate these emotionally-charged and confusing moments.

      Middle Stage of Dying


      As someone enters the middle stage of their last days, they tend to exhibit a gradual decline in responsiveness to their surroundings and interactions with others. This progression eventually leads to a complete inability to speak or move. This phase is also characterized by the slowing down of the body's circulation, with the preservation of blood for the vital functioning of internal organs. Consequently, the extremities, such as the hands and feet, may feel cold and assume a darker appearance.

      Emotionally, moods ebb and flow, and moments of powerful introspection arise.

      What You Can Do

      During each of the three stages of death, you have to adapt how you care for your loved one.

      In the middle stage, you can:

      • Offer blankets to keep the extremities warm, but don’t use electric blankets, as they may not be able to tell when they are too hot
      • Regardless of their communication level, assume they can hear everything you say, and offer words of comfort; typically, hearing is the last sense to go
      • Honor and fulfill their requests and preferences
      • Ensure effective pain management in collaboration with healthcare providers; the balance between painkillers and lucidity is a delicate one
      • Provide emotional support, offering reassurance and understanding; saying goodbyes and asking for forgiveness often surface in the dying mind

        • The middle stage of dying is a better time to say goodbye, ask and grant forgiveness, and communicate clearly. The last stage could render the dying incapable of talking or listening.

        Last Stage of Dying

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