Although you will be working as part of a team, there will be lots of things that you need to do. It might seem strange, but it is the little things that really can make the biggest difference. As a Care Worker you do these all the time so it is important to remind yourself about them and make sure you don’t take them for granted.These are some of the practical things you can do to support a person who is nearing death:

1. 
   
2. 
   
3. Ensure they are comfortable and clean, especially if they have had a bladder or bowel movement.
4. Position the person correctly and make sure you follow guidance on how often to reposition them.
5. Support them with mouth and eye care lubrication. You can use ice, a damp flannel on their lips to keep them moist. Eye drops can also help. Make sure you follow the care plan and that this is formally agreed.
6. Understand what medication, sedatives and pain relief they are taking and support them to take these if it is part of your role and you have been signed off as competent to do this by your manager.
7. Support them to drink water. You may need to raise the head of the bed a little and they may need a straw or cup with a spout.
8. Don’t force them to drink or eat as it can make them feel physically uncomfortable or even choke. 
9. Don’t continue giving water if they are coughing or having trouble breathing. Seek support and advice.
10. Ideally position the bed so they can see out of the window.
11. Change clothing and sheets regularly so they are fresh and wrinkle free.
12. Provide extra blankets and warmth if needed but don’t assume cold skin means they are cold. Extra blankets could make them hot and uncomfortable with the extra weight.
13. Avoid electric blankets or heating pads which could cause skin burns.
14. Ensure they can see familiar and comforting things like photos.
15. Avoid sudden movements and loud noises.
16. Play soothing music.
17. Continue to talk to them and treat them with respect.