5) Confusion or Restlessness
Near the end of life, hospice nurses often notice changes in awareness. A person may seem confused about where they are, reach for things that are not there, or speak to people no one else sees. Some become restless, picking at sheets or trying to climb out of bed. These changes can be caused by medication, dehydration, illness, or the body’s overall decline. Nurses look for triggers that might be eased and often adjust comfort measures to reduce agitation. For families, the key is to stay calm, speak gently, and remember that confusion does not always mean the person is in distress.