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About Agitation Signs & SymptomsHow to Find ReliefWhen to Tell UsCaregiver SupportMore Care Tips

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Some people become restless and even agitated (upset, tense) during a serious illness. These feelings could have a physical cause or be related to knowing you have a terminal illness. We may not be able to make these feelings go away, but we can help you manage better, with or without using medicine.

 

When you are restless or agitated, you may:

man comforts ill wife iStock-178754678.jpg

  • not be able to relax or calm your mind,
  • sleep very little,
  • make faces or clench your teeth, or
  • have trouble breathing.

Restlessness and agitation may become more intense in the last days of life, which may cause you to:

  • cry out or moan,
  • pull or pick at clothes or bed linens,
  • attempt to remove your clothing, or
  • move in bed or try to get out of bed all the time.
 

What can you do to reduce these uneasy feelings?

  • Listen to soothing music.
  • Allow yourself to cry.
  • Talk with a loved one or other trusted person about your feelings.
  • Keep the room peaceful and quiet.
  • Turn down bright lights.

Suggestions for family/caregivers:

Respect and patience

Treat your loved one with respect and patience.

Environment

Provide a calm, relaxed setting for your loved one.

Voice

Talk in a calm voice. When giving care, softly explain what you are doing.

Positioning

Help them change positions (such as sitting to lying down).

Setting

Change their setting, if possible; help them move to another room, or open a window.

Safety & Comfort

Place pillows against the bedside rails for safety.

Company

Make sure someone is always with them; ask family and friends to help.

 

When should you report restlessness or agitation to your care team?

Let your Agrace team know if you feel restless. We will look for causes, such as pain, trouble with your bowels, trouble breathing, medication side effects, low blood sugar, personal concerns or  fear. We will work with you to treat and manage these feelings. We may suggest medication or talking through your fears and concerns.

 

Caregiver Support

If you need help urgently, please call. Otherwise, email us directly at caregiversupport@agrace.org, or send your questions through our online contact form.

Call (800) 553-4289

Call to talk to an interpreter / Tenemos intérpretes disponibles: (800) 930-2770

 

More Care Tips for Families

For more expert advice from Agrace, visit Agrace.org/CareTips.