Baycrest - End of Life Volunteer Manual
38
FATIGUE
Many people who are dying suffer from constant fatigue. Some say
tiredness is worse than pain or nausea. Unfortunately, treating
fatigue is not as straightforward as treating some other symptoms.
Volunteers can help by encouraging the person to:
• Talk about his or her tiredness – understanding how it feels will
help everyone
• Plan to do things at the time of day when they are least tired
• Take short naps during the day
• Set short achievable goals
COMFORT MEASURES
There are a number of things volunteers can do to help a dying
person feel more comfortable.
• Keep the room warm, free from drafts but ventilated
• Turn out lights that are not necessary. See that lights are not
glaring and shining in the person's eyes
• Avoid excessive noise. Radio or television should be audible,
but not too loud
• Reduce odours. Never smoke or wear scented products.
• Offer cool drinks at least every 2 hours, if permitted
• Assist the person with short walks if they are able to walk, if
permitted
SIGNS THAT SOMEONE IS NEARING DEATH
When a person enters the final stage of the dying process, two
different but inter-related dynamics are at work. Physically, the
body begins the final process of shutting down. Emotionally and
spiritually, the spirit of the dying person begins the process of
release from the body and detachment from the physical, human
environment.
While these symptoms may be disturbing to witness, they are
normal natural events and the person is seldom in any real
discomfort at this stage. The best way to respond to these signs is to
