As the end of life approaches, families and caregivers may notice changes in a person’s sleep, appetite, breathing, temperature, behavior, and level of awareness. These changes can make the final stage of life feel mysterious and emotionally intense. Some commonly discussed signs include sleeping much more than usual, losing interest in food or drinks, changes in breathing patterns, and cooler or bluish hands and feet. A person may also speak about “going home,” become focused on memories or people from their past, or appear to interact with someone others cannot see. Another experience frequently described in end-of-life stories is a sudden sense of calm or peacefulness. For families, these moments can feel powerful because the person may seem unusually quiet and detached from the surroundings. Topics like terminal changes, final stages of dying, end-of-life care, hospice experiences, and signs of approaching death are often difficult to discuss, but understanding them can help peo...