In my last Blog post I talked about the changes in a person’s body when the dying process has started.

As the body shuts down completely there will be signs that death has occurred:

— The lack of pulse and breathing,

— The release of bowel and bladder (although this doesn’t always happen if they have not had any food or drink in awhile.),

— The eyelids will be slightly opened and the eyes will be staring at a certain spot.

— The mouth will be slightly opened and relaxed.

If you were the caregiver for your dying loved one and were present at or shortly after death, after the death has occurred you can take as much time as you need to be with your beloved.

If you have Hospice you need to call them and let them know the person has passed. They will come to assist you if you want.

You will also need to call the funeral home so they can make arrangements to pick up the body.

Whether you were the caregiver or it was your family member, you need to grieve. Remember, everyone handles death differently. Some people may cry while others will tell stories of the person life and remember the good times.

Melanie Hack
Author of Who Killed My Sister, My friend
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