Julie stresses that while these three signs appear often, they are not universal. Some people pass suddenly. Others linger for days, even weeks. But in her view, understanding what can happen helps families prepare emotionally and removes some of the fear.
“Death is a part of life,” she says. “The more we talk about it, the less terrifying it becomes. My goal is to help families see that there is beauty, love, and even peace in those final hours.”
Comfort in Understanding
For older adults and caregivers alike, this knowledge can be a gift. Instead of bracing for the unknown, families can recognize these signs and respond with gentleness — holding a hand, whispering words of love, or simply sitting in quiet presence.
