Honestly, most people prefer the "waxy" look to Delirium (suddenly acting confused and disoriented) can be caused by the progression of the disease, less oxygen reaching the brain, or medications. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. In a Hydropicall body ten years buried in a Church-yard, we met with a fat concretion, where the nitre of the Earth, and the salt and lixivious liquor of the body, had coagulated large lumps of fat, into the consistence of the hardest castile-soap: wherof part remaineth with us. Skin 5. All rights reserved. By Angela Morrow, RN The occurrence and risk factors of constipation in inpatient palliative care unit patients vs. nursing home residents. Don't forget sunglasses. As a person's body naturally shuts down and prepares for death, it no longer needs the calories and nutrition that food provides. Your doctor will see if something else that seems like catatonia is the issue. Whats the Difference Between Palliative Care and Hospice? Rigor mortis begins to set in. On the other hand, others may crave closeness with those they love. This increases as the dying process continue. Providing care for a loved one facing a chronic or life-limiting illness or disease can be stressful and exhausting, especially as the dying process begins, but it is also the ultimate act of love. Webwaxy. Jamie founded Listverse due to an insatiable desire to share fascinating, obscure, and bizarre facts. Waxing: Whats Better for Your Skin?, Mayo Clinic: Folliculitis, Ingrown Hair.. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. All rights reserved. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. Speaking to the hospital about a catheter for the person may help. The heart stops beating, lungs cease to function, brain activity no longer exists, and the brain stem dies. For this reason, bereavement support groups may be useful. This lack of wakefulness is because their bodys metabolism is becoming weaker. Toward the end of life: What you and your family can expect. Theyll hold up your arm, and then theyll ask you to relax. There was a high need for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (77%) and anticonvulsants (75%). WebWaxy definition: Something that is waxy looks or feels like wax. As new skin cells are produced, they push older cells toward the skin's surface, where the old cells die and are sloughed off. At six hours muscles continue to spasm sporadically. Basal cell carcinoma occurs when one of the skin's basal cells develops a mutation in its DNA. You might also add a pair of soft, comfortable socks. Longer hair may cause more pain and mess. Pressure sores. If your loved one has not been taking pain medication regularly, it's still important to monitor them for signs of discomfort and to have medications on hand in case of pain suddenly develops. The doctor can try to make the person who is dying as comfortable as possible. Catatonic symptoms are most often linked to schizophrenia. Over time, the growths become rough and crusty looking. This means very little blood is still flowing to their hands, feet, or legs. Angela Morrow, RN, BSN, CHPN, is a certified hospice and palliative care nurse. Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is often a distressing symptom not only for the dying person but also for their family members and friends. Hui D, Dev R, Bruera E. The last days of life: symptom burden and impact on nutrition and hydration in cancer patients. The bodies had been left floating in a flooded quarry, resulting in an almost complete transformation into adipocere. It is not unusual for a person who is dying to experience some hallucinations or distorted visions. Read our, What Can You Expect During End Stage Lung Cancer, Recognizing Terminal Restlessness at the End of Life. As blood settles, the skin starts to look pale and waxy. Resembling wax in appearance or texture, as in being pale, pliable, or smooth and lustrous. If your loved one has a fever but can still swallow pills, you might give them acetaminophen (Tylenol) tablets. Bloody froth begins to trickle from your mouth and nose. When healthy, most of us can cough, clear our throats, or swallow or spit out these normal secretions, but a dying person loses the ability to effectively clear them. In addition, if your loved one sweats a lot, check the bedding often and change it if necessary. Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties are among the most common symptoms at the end of life. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. BMJ. National Cancer Institute. At some specific time points, the structure of the skin has prominent characteristics, such as at 16 days after death. I wonder if Jeffry Dahmer ever made any liquefied skin soup. He has been a guest speaker on numerous national radio and television stations and is a five time published author. You can try to prevent skin conditions from affecting you after waxing. Why Doesn't the U.S. Have at-Home Tests for the Flu? However, they may become confused or incoherent at times. Thatll affect how hard it is to move your limbs and how long youll stay in certain poses. Some companies also sell protective clothing. If your loved one has been on a regular schedule of pain medication, it's important to maintain it even if they lose consciousness. Hendriks SA, Smalbrugge M, Galindo-Garre F, Hertogh CMPM, van der Steen JT. Some amount of breathlessness is common in most people as they near death. Luckily, there are a few simple and effective treatments that can bring quick relief, such as deep-breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, oxygen, and medications. 1-2 weeks before death. Prevent ingrown hairs and folliculitis. 2015;9(4):346-354. doi:10.1097/SPC.0000000000000171, Heijltjes MT, van Zuylen L, van Thiel GJ, van Delden JJ, van der Heide A. The process of creating new skin cells is controlled by a basal cell's DNA. Get answers to your questions in our photography forums. Pathologists Sydney Smith and Professor Littlejohn were able to find more than enough evidence from the preserved remains for police to identify the victims and charge the killer, who was hanged. Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that most often develops on areas of skin exposed to the sun, such as the face. Recognizing and assessing their pain is vital to ensuring their comfort, however, and your observation of body language and other physical clues will grow increasingly important as your loved one becomes unable to tell you if they feel pain. Most of these stages are known by studying university controlled body farms used by forensic anthropologists in an attempt to further knowledge in the forensic field. Accessed Aug. 6, 2021. Signs: Numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, firm or waxy skin. It is important for their loved ones to recognize the signs that death may be near. This article will discuss 12 signs that a person is nearing the end of their life. By Angela Morrow, RN The person who is dying may not feel cold themselves. J Pain Symptom Manage. Clinical death is defined as cessation or failure of all vital bodily functions. If your loved one is shivering, adding a blanket or two should be enough to improve their comfort. Brain cells die in droves and liquefaction occurs. Lorazepam is used most often. privacy practices. Restlessness 6. Bedside clinical signs associated with impending death in patients with advanced cancer: Preliminary findings of a prospective, longitudinal cohort study. Preparing for death and bereavement Body changes at the end of life See all parts of this guide Hide guide parts 1. AskMayoExpert. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. WebClassically described as smooth, waxy, yellowish lesions, these are uncommon and more often appear hemorrhagic. It also suggests ways you can help your loved one cope with the final stages. But sun exposure doesn't explain skin cancers that develop on skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight. Check their skin often especially at the base of the spine (the tailbone), heels, elbows, and hips and look for any areas of pinkness or redness. Before you wax your skin, consider these things: For the best results, follow these steps:. As your loved one increasingly spends time in bed or sitting in a chair, they face a greater risk of developing pressure sores on their body. They are generally found on flexor surfaces, the face, and the buccal mucosa (Fig. The mutation tells the basal cell to multiply rapidly and continue growing when it would normally die. If this happens to a dying person, their loved ones should help them lift things or turn over in bed. American Academy of Dermatology Association: HAIR REMOVAL: HOW TO WAX., Cleveland Clinic: Shaving vs. Hogue L, et al. [6][7], Adipocere is a crumbly, waxy, water-insoluble material consisting mostly of saturated fatty acids. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Delirium and agitation at the end of life. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. If you've ever been constipated, you know how uncomfortable it can be. In 3 to 5 days, decay starts to produce large blisters all over the body. If you like this list be sure to check out our Morbid Collection for much much more of the same. Once they have said goodbye, the family should make contact with a funeral home. Then your muscles slowly release, like when you bend a warm candle. As the process of mummification is finishing, the bodys fat begins to breakdown and turns into a crumbly-white waxy substance called adipocere, also known as grave wax. Its this stage where the putrid odor of the dying flesh on the corpse starts to deplete exponentially. It's terrible to learn that a loved one is reaching the end of their life. J Palliat Med. If a dying person is becoming less social, their loved ones should try not to be offended. WebWaxy skin is a cutaneous condition observed in roughly 50% of diabetic patients with longstanding disease. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. In its formation, putrefaction is replaced by a permanent firm cast of fatty tissues, internal organs, and the face. This mottling may slowly work its way up the arms and legs. WebSkin Your loved ones skin may be pale or clammy. 12 Signs That Someone Is Near the End of Their Life. Sounds like the ultimate wet fart. You can use cold packs again to get some relief. [3], The degradation of adipocere continues after exhumation at the microscopic level resulting from the combination of exposure to air, handling, dissection and the enzymatic activity of microbiota. Explaining what is happening around them and introducing each visitor is important. Improving home safety often begins by rearranging your furniture and other objects to allow your loved one to move around more easily. Friction on the skin from repositioning, sliding them down in the bed, and a lack of adequate nutrition compound the problem. Verywell Health content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Youll be asleep the whole time, so it wont hurt. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which These signs are explored below. Current Opinion in Supportive & Palliative Care. Deep meditation: Might it change the gut microbiome to boost health? Use a gentle soap to wash away dirt, dead skin, and any skin care products youve put on the area. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. In the 2 or 3 months before a person dies, they may spend less time awake. It may look like small red bumps at first, which you may mistake for ingrown hairs or irritation. Angela Morrow, RN, BSN, CHPN, is a certified hospice and palliative care nurse. Do your best to remove the strip in a fast but controlled motion. Keep a lot of pillows handy because you should place one beneath your loved ones' back, another between their knees, and perhaps one under their arm when they lay on their side. At 24 to 72 hours, internal microbes putrefy the intestines and the pancreas begins to digest itself. Yes, I wish there was a lower NR number. Adipocere is formed by the anaerobic bacterial hydrolysis of fat in tissue. Much of the damage to DNA in basal cells is thought to result from ultraviolet (UV) radiation found in sunlight and in commercial tanning lamps and tanning beds. In its formation, putrefaction is replaced by a permanent firm cast of fatty tissues, internal organs, and the face. What happens, and why learn about, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. A person may completely stop eating a few days before they die. It slows breathing down, which allows your loved one's body to take more-effective breaths while reducing the sensation of breathlessness in the brain. WebAdipocere Adipocere ( / dpsr, - po -/ [1] [2] ), also known as corpse wax, grave wax or mortuary wax, is a wax-like organic substance formed by the anaerobic bacterial hydrolysis of fat in tissue, such as body fat in corpses. At this stage, most bodies found will have to be identified by dental records. This includes friends and family. Basal cells produce new skin cells. Other treatments that can also help alleviate dyspnea include: Another common and unsettling occurrence near the end of life is known as the "death rattle." Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin. If the technology or DNA profile for comparison is available, DNA can also be extracted from teeth or bones for identification. Soak in warm water. They often indicate that theres an abnormal buildup of protein in an organ, such as your heart. This process liquefies the insides. https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/waxy, Traits of grain quality are mostly governed by, Goff said the plant can run other types of crude, and Tesoro is working to forecast, This permitted the simultaneous amplification of the two, OTHER ADVANTAGES - While most farmers are growing, El uso de marcadores moleculares asociados al gen, Along with a superior broodmare band, the fourth duke inherited a champion sire in, Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary, the webmaster's page for free fun content, Biosurveillance and morphological variations of larvae and pupae of common malaria vectors, Anopheles (Anopheles) Hyrcanus group species in the republic of Korea, Homology Modeling, Functional Annotation and Comparative Genome Analysis of GBSS Enzyme in Rice and Maize Genomes, DEVELOPMENT OF STS MARKERS FOR WAXY GENE ALLELIC VARIATION IDENTIFICATION IN FOXTAIL MILLET, Oil drilling in Uinta Basin has 'dried up', Investigation of diversity of Waxy-A1 gene using amplification in different spices in A genome wheat's. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. 1. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. WebWaxy skin is a cutaneous condition observed in roughly 50% of diabetic patients with longstanding disease. The color of the body changes from red to green as the red blood cells decompose. [10], Waxy substance formed by anaerobic hydrolysis of fat, "Plea to university to return bodies of murder victims", "Murdered boys' final remains laid to rest", "Histological observations on adipocere in human remains buried for 21 years at the Tomaica grave-site in Bosnia and Herzegovina", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Adipocere&oldid=1108035734, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 2 September 2022, at 05:47. 2015;16(6):475-481. doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2014.12.016, Sandvik RK, Selbaek G, Bergh S, Aarsland D, Husebo BS. Retrieved from, Signs of impending death. Another thing you can do to reduce a fever is to use compresses by applying a cool, damp washcloth to the patient's forehead, neck, and/or armpits. The grave wax can also be important if the body is found at this stage because the adipocere can help retain body and facial features used in recognition, as well as any wounds or injuries that may have caused the death. Other factors can contribute to the risk and development of basal cell carcinoma, and the exact cause may in some cases not be clear. Containing amyloid You can relieve pressure on the elbows in much the same way, i.e., place pillows under the upper or lower arm. Cutaneous nodules can be demonstrated to follow the path of blood vessels within the skin . By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. With the loss of oxygen to their brain, they might become vague and sleepy. Clin Interv Aging. The epidermis and dermis had completely separated 24 d after death. If we combine this information with your protected If your loved one is allergic or intolerant to morphine, other opioid medications might help manage dyspnea. :i3085. This is essentially a loud, wet-sounding form of breathing that happens when saliva and other secretions build up in the throat and airway passages. Less often, basal cell carcinoma can develop on parts of your body usually protected from the sun, such as the genitals. It should be warm to hot, but it shouldnt cause pain or feel like its burning. As a person approaches death, their vital signs may change in the following ways: A persons urine color changes because their kidneys are shutting down. Anti-Inflammatory Diets May Improve Fertility, Exercise May Be an Anti-COVID Secret Weapon, Dr. Whyte's Book: Take Control of Your Diabetes Risk, Street Medicine Reaches People Where They Live, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. All rights reserved. These gases cause the belly to begin to swell. Avoid creams. Review/update the During this time span and depending on environmental circumstances, carrion eaters such as hyenas, large birds of prey (vultures, bald eagles, etc.) Your sebaceous glands begin to produce sebum after youre born. 9. As a dying persons energy levels are reduced, they may not want to spend as much time with other people as they once did. This is usually very difficult for the dying person's loved ones to see because we often equate food with health, and feeding people as an act of love. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Pupils begin to dilate, unresponsive to direct light, and cloud over. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The collection of mucus and fluids causes a rattling sound when the person breathes. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Reduced appetite 2. National Institue of Environmental Health Sciences. Basal cell carcinoma often appears as a slightly transparent bump on the skin, though it can take other forms. 7. U.S. National Library of Medicine MedlinePlus. Confusion, agitation, and inability to sleep can happen with some people at the end of life. It's also important to notify your healthcare provider as soon as the symptoms of terminal restlessness start. Other than schizophrenia, the most common conditions linked to catatonia are: Experts arent exactly sure why waxy flexibility happens. 7th ed. [3] In forensic science, the utility of adipocere formation to estimate the postmortem interval is limited because the speed of the process is temperature-dependent. Withdrawal Your loved one may begin to lose interest in the world around them, drawing into themself. Read and follow the directions on the package carefully. In the days leading up to a persons death, their muscles may become weak. Most of these kits include acetaminophen in some form. Factors that increase your risk of basal cell carcinoma include: Complications of basal cell carcinoma can include: To reduce your risk of basal cell carcinoma you can: Wear protective clothing. Practical suggestions to help you provide a safe, comfortable experience. Dry your skin completely before applying any wax.. Also known as decubitus ulcers or bedsores, pressure sores result from decreased blood flow to an area of the body due to continual pressure on the skin. Identifying the cause of terminal restlessness and treating it early can impact your loved one's final moments, as well as your experience while caring for them. Prz Gastroenterol. It's important to change your loved one's position in the bed every two hours while you're awake if they cannot do so alone. It's a frightening experience for everyone involved. What to expect when a person with cancer is nearing death. Rigor mortis is due to the lactic acid in the muscles causing rigidity in the tissue. Last medically reviewed on January 31, 2020, The process of dying is complex, and a death rattle is an initial indication that death is approaching. If you wax often and have severe symptoms, your doctor may suggest trying a different wax or taking a break from waxing so your skin can heal completely. Finally, if you notice that your loved one's toes, fingers, nose, and/or lips appear gray or blue, understand that this is normal as the body's blood circulation slows down. Nausea medications, fresh air, eating small meals, and limiting odors are among the treatments you can try to help your loved one manage these symptoms. On brown and Black skin, basal cell carcinoma often looks like a bump that's brown or glossy black and has a rolled border. This is something that can be upsetting and scary. Eventually the accumulating abnormal cells may form a cancerous tumor the lesion that appears on the skin. But most of the time, the patient isn't feeling any pain or suffering. Because a dying person is eating and drinking less, their bowel movements may reduce. Examine your skin often for new skin growths or changes in existing moles, freckles, bumps and birthmarks. Seborrheic keratoses are benign (noncancerous) skin growths that develop from skin cells called keratinocytes. As new skin cells are produced, they push older cells toward the skin's surface, where the old cells die and are sloughed off. They might also recommend an air mattress to provide additional cushioning and to help relieve pressure. Thats partly because the symptoms may be diagnosed as something else. Some people have hallucinations and talk to people who arent there. Your doctor may put it under your tongue or give you a shot. If you need an antipsychotic medicine to manage schizophrenia or another mood disorder, your doctor may take you off of it until your catatonia goes away. If left untreated, these bumps can quickly become infected. This is called algor mortis. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. It may be difficult to come to terms with the unavoidable fact that a persons pain levels may increase as they near death. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Anxiety is perfectly normal at the end of life. doi:10.1136/spcare-2022-003718, Bruera S, Chisholm G, Dos Santos R, Crovador C, Bruera E, Hui D. Variations in vital signs in the last days of life in patients with advanced cancer. At the very end, when the muscles relax entirely, the patient will often release the contents of their bowels. Having the proper medical equipment, and enough space to use them properly can help prevent falls and other accidents. You should never place ice or an ice pack directly onto bare skin, however, so wrap ice or ice packs in towels before applying them. This can be a result of surgery or illness, or because the person is simply too weak to use the bathroom. Actions: Go to a warm room. You can also elevate their heels by placing a pillow under their ankles so the feet hang off the edge. A person caring for a loved one who is dying should make sure to keep talking to them. This is also called the bloat stage. The tongue will protrude out of the mouth due to the swelling of tissues in the neck and face. Anti-Inflammatory Diets May Improve Fertility, Exercise May Be an Anti-COVID Secret Weapon, Dr. Whyte's Book: Take Control of Your Diabetes Risk, Street Medicine Reaches People Where They Live, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, How to Help a Loved One Stay on Schizophrenia Meds, Mutism, when you dont talk a lot or at all, Stupor, when you dont respond to your environment, even, Negativism, when you strongly resist someone else moving your body, Posturing, when you move and hold that position for a while, Neurological disorders such as Parkinsons disease. 2014;48(4):510-517. doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2013.10.019, Kamal AH, Maguire JM, Wheeler JL, Currow DC, Abernethy AP. Also check your genital area and between your buttocks. WebThe most frequent signs and symptoms in the last 10 days before death were decrease in level of consciousness (95%), fever (88%), dysphagia (65%), seizures (65%), and headache (33%). Basal cells are found at the bottom of the epidermis the outermost layer of skin. Pain is probably the most feared symptom at the end of life. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Dont use hot tubs or pools, because they may get bacteria on your raw skin. Blood starts pooling in the body, which starts causing discoloration called livor mortis, usually a reddish-blue color. 2. This can include identifying dead bodies and their circumstances of death. As a caregiver for your loved one, you have probably experienced caregiver stress to some degree, which can compound the grief you will naturally feel at this difficult time. Apply the cloth strip. If you dont feel better in 4-5 days, your doctor may try electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). This means very little blood is still flowing to their hands, feet, or legs. This is why it appears that the hair seems to grow longer after death because the stiffening muscles push on the hair follicle. Place one hand on your bare skin below where you pull the cloth strip. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Soothe your skin. Ingrown hairs appear as small red bumps, and they may be inflamed and painful. [5], Probably the most famous known case of adipocere is that of Scotland's Higgins brothers, murdered by their father in 1911 but whose bodies were not found until 1913. Habif's Clinical Dermatology. Breathing changes 3. Basal cell carcinoma begins in the basal cells a type of cell within the skin that produces new skin cells as old ones die off. Buffalo Bill, a popular character from The Silence of the Lambs, should have just waited for this stage to make his woman suit. It may have saved him a lot of energy and sewing materials. Basal cell carcinoma occurs most often on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun, such as your head and neck. Most basal cell carcinomas are thought to be caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight. Waxy flexibility is one of the less common symptoms of catatonia. 2018;13(4):299-304. doi:10.5114/pg.2018.79809, Hui D, Dev R, Bruera E. The last days of life: symptom burden and impact on nutrition and hydration in cancer patients. A person may experience pain or shortness of breath during the dying process. The hair you want to wax should be one-fourth to three-fourths of an inch long. 2022 Nov 21:bmjspcare-2022-003718. Gently massage discolored areas to stimulate blood flow, and you can use lotion if the skin is dry. Skin thickness was also measured by high-resolution ultrasonography. Terminal restlessness is a form of delirium often seen in dying patients. Morphine provides effective pain-relieving properties and can treat dyspnea. 1. This swelling of the neck and facial tissues makes the body hard to identify if it is found at this stage after death. Let the cloth sit for 2 or 3 seconds before removing it. In the days before a person dies, their circulation reduces so that blood is focused on their internal organs. Basal cell carcinoma appears as a change in the skin, such as a growth or a sore that won't heal. Make sure their elbows do not touch the pillows or the bed. When death is very imminent, or has just occurred, skin will be cool to the touch. Signs that your loved one is restless might include an inability to relax, picking at their clothing or bed sheets, confusion, and agitation, or trying to climb out of bed. Arsenic. It is believed, in the 17th century, that some individuals were known to use this adipocere to make candles for the use at the mummys vigil. When death is within days or hours, your loved one may: Not want food or drink. If your loved one already has a pressure sore or develops one while you are caring for them, don't punish yourself. Caregiving for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Dying From Dementia With Late-Stage Symptoms, What Loved Ones Should Know About the End of Life, Cheyne-Stokes Respirations Causes and Treatment, How the Medications in a Hospice Comfort Kit Can Help, Terminal Restlessness and Delirium at the End of Life, How to Prevent Pressure Ulcers or Bed Sores, continue to offer sips of water or other drinks, the human body begins many natural processes immediately after death, things you should do immediately after a loved one dies, plan a funeral, memorial, and/or interment services, The last days of life: symptom burden and impact on nutrition and hydration in cancer patients, Variations in vital signs in the last days of life in patients with advanced cancer, Dyspnea review for the palliative care professional: treatment goals and therapeutic options, Increase in respiratory rate (breaths per minute), Directing a fan (at low speed) toward your loved one's face. Mayo Clinic; 2021. Some forensic scientists believe this clouding of the eye can be a better indication of the time of death than rigor mortis and livor mortis. Unless you previously arranged your loved one's end-of-life services, then you will also need to plan a funeral, memorial, and/or interment services in the coming days.