The last days and hours of life can be a time of peace and comfort.  However, some patients may experience restlessness.  Restlessness is when the patient experiences agitation in days to hours prior to death.

Signs of Restlessness

Prior to death, the patient may become agitated, confused, and very restless.  Some signs of this restlessness may include:

• Pulling or picking at bed linens
• Attempting to remove clothing
• Constantly moving in bed or trying to get out of bed
• Crying out, moaning
• Sleeping very little

Possible Causes of Restlessness

It is not always possible to determine why restlessness occurs.  Your Hospice team will look for these and other possible causes so that the symptoms can be managed:

• Pain
• Constipation
• Inability to urinate
• Lack of oxygen
• Fear

What You Can Do

Caring for a patient with restlessness can make you feel tired, overwhelmed, and frustrated.  Your Hospice team can help provide treatments to help decrease the restlessness.  Some things you can do to help the patient are:

• Keep the patient safe by padding the sides of the patient with pillows or placing pillows against the bed side rails.
• Provide constant supervision. Ask family members and friends to help take shifts.  Your hospice team may be able to help you organize the schedule.
• Keep the room as peaceful and quiet as possible. Keep noise levels low.
• Gently reassure the patient and give the patient time to talk about any worries.
• Turn down bright lights.
• Try playing soft, soothing music.
• Explain to visitors the need for quiet, soothing surroundings.
• Talk to the patient in a calm, quiet voice. When giving care, softly explain what you are doing.
• Take time for yourself. Ask someone to stay with the patient while you rest, go for a walk, run an errand, or do an activity you enjoy.
• Talk to your Hospice team about any concerns you may have.

Please feel free to call your Suburban Hospice, Inc., team at 833-888-7222 any time for questions or concerns.