Thank you Jan, that is really good to know. Are there any signs carers and family members can look out for in the final days of someone’s life?
We know that thinking about the last hours and moments of someone’s life is hard, but knowing what to expect may ease some of the worries people may have. Everyone’s experiences are different but there are changes that often happen near to someone’s death that may be signs that they are dying.
Carers and family members may become aware that their loved one is changing on a week-to-week basis, or even on a day-to-day basis.
Perhaps wishing to sleep for many hours, not wishing to engage as much, and declining food and drink. The individual may be more restless, agitated, delirious or confused and hallucinating.
We have some information on our website about the final moments of someone’s life including a short video about what to expect at the end of someone’s life that you may find helpful to watch here. If you would like to talk about any of this in more detail, you would be more than welcome to call our Support Line and speak with me.
This is really helpful, thank you Jan. Another question we’ve had in advance is, is it normal for someone who has a terminal illness to eat and drink less towards the end of their life?
Many individuals naturally lose their appetite or the desire to eat or drink as they move into the end stage of their life.
It may be helpful to offer the person their favourite foods and drinks, or favourite puddings if desired, such as ice cream/trifles/ jelly/ice lollies/ice chips and regular mouth care in promoting a fresh moist mouth.
In addition, the GP can prescribe medication for a sore mouth or if the individual has oral candida (thrush) to ensure comfort. A saliva replacement product, again prescribed by the GP or on the guidance of a local pharmacist, to help plump up the tissues in the mouth of someone choosing to drink less, especially if their ability to swallow is deteriorating.
We have some information on our website about eating and drinking when someone is dying, here.
Thank you again, Jan - that’s really good to know.
What can you suggest people do if they’re not feeling supported by their GP?
It can be frustrating if you don’t feel as though you are being supported by your GP.
If you don’t feel supported, you can try to speak to them or ask to speak to the practice manager. If you are not comfortable doing this, you can contact the feedback and complaints team at your local NHS board or Health and Social Care Trust (in Northern Ireland) – they will direct your complaint to the right place.
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions today Jan.
How can members of our Online Community speak to you if they wish to do so following this event?
Members of the Online Community can either ring the free Support Line on 0800 090 2309 and ask for a call back – or I might be available to talk to straight away. You can also book a call using our online form that can be found here.
I am also sometimes available on web chat for those members who may prefer to communicate in this way.
I will also try my best to respond to any comments on the Online Community if anyone needs general clinical information.
Thank you, Jan.
We’ve now come to the end of today’s live Q&A session.
Thank you for joining us today.
We wanted to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful Information and Support Nurse, Jan and wish all of our wonderful nurses a very Happy International Nurses Day. 
Thank you, and to all our online community members,
as I appreciated the opportunity to speak to you all today.