What to Expect in the Final Weeks of Life

Written By Amiee Joint

What to Expect in the Final Weeks of Life

Sun City West, Az

Sun City West, AZ

What you need to know;

One of the hardest parts of loving someone through serious illness… is not knowing what comes next.

Families often ask us quietly,
“What will it look like at the end?”
“Will I know when it’s getting close?”

If you’re asking these questions—you are not alone. And more importantly, you deserve answers.

At Mountain View Hospice, we believe education brings peace into very uncertain moments.

1. Increased Fatigue and Sleeping More

One of the first things families notice is that their loved one begins to sleep more.

They may:

  • Spend most of the day resting

  • Have less energy to engage in conversation

  • Seem withdrawn

This is not giving up.
This is the body naturally conserving energy. Our bodies are SMART!

2. Changes in Appetite and Thirst

Food and water needs begin to decrease.

You may notice:

  • Little to no interest in meals

  • Only small sips of fluids

  • Weight loss

This can feel alarming for families.

But this is a natural part of the body slowing down—not suffering.

Our team helps guide families through this so you don’t feel like you’re “doing something wrong.”

3. Increased Confusion or Restlessness

Some patients may become:

  • Confused about time or place

  • Restless, especially at night

  • Less aware of surroundings

This can be emotional to witness.

Our nurses are trained to manage these symptoms and bring comfort—for both the patient and the family.

4. Changes in Breathing

Breathing patterns often change in the final days.

You may notice:

  • Periods of rapid breathing

  • Pauses between breaths

  • A “rattling” sound

While this can be difficult to hear, it is a common and expected part of the process.

Hospice focuses on comfort, ensuring your loved one is not in distress.

5. Less Communication, More Presence

There may come a time when your loved one is no longer able to communicate.

Even then—hearing is believed to be one of the last senses to remain.

This is where your presence matters most:

  • Holding their hand

  • Speaking softly

  • Playing music they love

These moments matter more than words.

What Families Need to Hear Most

You are not supposed to know how to do this alone.

This is where hospice steps in.

At Mountain View Hospice, we:

  • Prepare you for what’s ahead

  • Manage symptoms before they become crises

  • Support you emotionally every step of the way

  • Show up—day or night

Because no family should feel unsure during one of the most important seasons of life.

Earlier Support Changes Everything

Many families tell us,
“We wish we had called sooner.”

Not because of what we do at the very end…
But because of how much peace could have come earlier.

If you’re starting to see changes, even if you’re unsure—
that is the right time to ask questions.

You Don’t Have to Wait

You can call hospice.
You can ask for an evaluation.
You can get answers.

Mountain View Hospice
623-230-3698

Serving families across the West Valley with compassionate, nurse-led care.

Amiee Joint
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