Dr. Hannah Linane:

There are changes in breathing. There can be noisy breathing. As part of dying, the person becomes less responsive. That has nothing to do with the medications we use but is part of the dying process. A large part of trying to give somebody at the end of their life value and meaningful time with their family involves ensuring they feel supported, have the information they need and are given space through adequate supports to their family, rather than having to take on a load of care, which, unfortunately, they might not have enough support for. Dignity, in itself, is a concept and is something we need to try to promote through compassionate care. Dying is a dignified process and many deaths are very beautiful and profound.