Hospice Nurse Reveals Comforting Insights on Dying Process

A California hospice nurse has shared insights into the experiences of dying individuals, highlighting comforting phenomena often reported in the days leading up to death. Julie McFadden, known as “Hospice Nurse Julie” on TikTok, educates her 1.7 million followers about the natural processes of dying. Her videos shed light on what many do not understand about the end of life.

In a recent video, McFadden discussed two significant observations. The first, based on scientific understanding, revolves around the body’s inherent mechanisms that facilitate a peaceful transition. She explained, “The body is built to die,” noting that it naturally shuts down hunger and thirst signals. This means individuals often do not experience feelings of starvation or dehydration in their final days. Instead, as the body begins to conserve energy, it may increase calcium levels, leading to fatigue and prolonged sleep. This process can result in the body entering ketosis, which releases endorphins that help alleviate pain.

As McFadden elaborated, the second observation is less scientifically explained but frequently reported. “Around a few weeks before death, someone will start seeing dead relatives, loved ones, or even pets that have passed away,” she stated. These encounters often provide comfort to those nearing the end of life, allowing them to feel connected to their past. McFadden emphasized that hospice staff routinely inform families about these phenomena to help alleviate confusion when patients begin talking to those who are no longer present.

Insights from fellow hospice professional Carolyn Quach-Huynh reinforce McFadden’s observations. Quach-Huynh, from Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care, noted that patients sometimes report seeing unfamiliar spirits or describe crowded rooms filled with visitors. These experiences can manifest not only as visual encounters but also through dreams involving deceased loved ones or recognizable scents, such as cigars or specific perfumes.

The NHS provides additional context, stating that restlessness and confusion are common as individuals approach death. Lack of clarity regarding the cause of these behaviors can arise from various underlying factors, including discomfort or the effects of illness. Some patients may experience delirium, drifting in and out of sleep and losing awareness of their surroundings. This is particularly prevalent among those with conditions affecting the brain, such as dementia or certain cancers.

For caregivers and families navigating these challenging moments, understanding the dying process can provide significant emotional support. If concerns arise regarding a loved one’s restlessness or confusion, resources and assistance are available. The NHS encourages individuals to seek help and offers guidance on how to provide comfort during the final stages of life.

As conversations around death and dying become increasingly open, insights from healthcare professionals like McFadden and Quach-Huynh remind us of the unique experiences that can occur in those final moments. Their contributions not only aim to educate but also to provide solace to families during a profoundly difficult time.