End Of Life Signs: Perspectives Of Family Members Of The Deceased

Abstract

The study explored the signs shown by the departing before their death. Semi- structured interviews were conducted among 24 families of recently deceased individuals. Narrative Analysis and phenomenological approach was used for analyzing data collected. There were notable physical, mental and social signs shown by the deceased before death like visions / dreams of their deceased elders, death-related talks, metaphorical messages, post-death rituals, changes in sleep cycle, eating habits, expressing unusual irritability or unusual care and love towards family members. While the cause is unclear, awareness and understanding of such signs is important to improve the end-of-life care