{"id":3588,"date":"2026-05-11T14:47:36","date_gmt":"2026-05-11T14:47:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviralhub.com\/?p=3588"},"modified":"2026-05-11T14:47:36","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T14:47:36","slug":"an-end-of-life-nurse-reveals-the-most-unsettling-behaviors-she-has-observed-in-people-approaching-death","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviralhub.com\/?p=3588","title":{"rendered":"An end-of-life nurse reveals the most unsettling behaviors she has observed in people approaching death."},"content":{"rendered":"

Julie McFadden is a hospice nurse who has witnessed many daths throughout her career. She often speaks openly about the realities of dying in an effort to help people better understand the process of leaving this world, especially through the behaviors seen in those nearing d<\/em>ath.<\/p>\n

Her mission is to help reduce fear and stigma around d*ath.<\/p>\n

She has spent years supporting patients and families through the final stages of life. Alongside her clinical work, Julie has also written a book and built a large social media following, where she focuses on topics related to d*ath and dying.<\/p>\n

In her online videos, she shares insights from her experiences with patients in their final moments\u2014from last words and regrets to behavioral and physical changes she has observed.<\/p>\n

One of the more distressing changes families often notice involves breathing patterns in those nearing the end of life. This is known as Cheyne\u2013Stokes breathing and is caused by natural metabolic changes in the body.<\/p>\n

Although it can look alarming\u2014rapid breathing followed by long pauses\u2014Julie explains that it is a normal process and does not necessarily indicate distress or suffering. Still, loved ones often find it unsettling and say they wish they had been prepared for it.<\/p>\n

Another commonly observed sign is the \u201cd*ath rattle,\u201d a gurgling sound caused by saliva buildup when the body no longer swallows reflexively.<\/p>\n

Julie explains that this sound is often mistaken for choking or lung distress, but it is not usually an indication of discomfort. She emphasizes that the body is typically relaxed during this stage and not experiencing suffocation.<\/p>\n

She also notes that the human body often follows a natural decline pattern as it prepares for the end of life. In her experience, certain signs can appear months in advance.<\/p>\n

Around six months before passing, individuals may begin showing subtle changes such as becoming less social, sleeping more, and eating and drinking less.<\/p>\n

At around three months, these signs often progress, with increased weakness, reduced mobility, and more time spent resting at home.<\/p>\n

In the final month, some people may begin experiencing what are described as \u201cvisioning\u201d moments, where they report sensing or seeing deceased loved ones, friends, or pets. Julie explains that while not everyone experiences this, many do, and it is often described as calming.<\/p>\n

Other hospice professionals, including registered nurse Angela Morrow, have shared similar observations. She notes that patients nearing the end of life may appear to sense or communicate with those who have passed, and encourages caregivers to respond with patience and compassion rather than dismissal.<\/p>\n

In her view, uncertainty can be difficult for families, but emotional support during these moments is essential.<\/p>\n

Julie also explains that in the final weeks of life, patients typically sleep much more than they are awake and show very little interest in food or fluids. Hospice care, she says, focuses on comfort and allowing the body to follow its natural process rather than forcing intervention.<\/p>\n