Managing Restlessness

• An inability to rest, relax or concentrate
• Extreme restlessness is sometimes called agitation
• A condition that occurs in nearly half of all patients during the last 48 hours of life

• Muscle twitching
• Moving around without a known reason
• Pulling at sheets, covers, or clothing
• Trying to get out of bed for no known reason
• Fidgeting
• Sleeplessness
• Inability to get comfortable
• Grimacing

• Any of the signs or behaviors listed above
• Inability to administer medications by the prescribed method
• Things that make the restlessness worse, for example: loud music
• Things that make the restlessness better, for example: soft music
• Concerns that you may have as a caregiver to cope
• Need for spiritual support
• Situations that might be unsafe

The team will try to find the reason for the restlessness and talk with you about treatments.

Things you can do:

• • Administer prescribed medications as ordered
  • Offer frequent reassurance
  • Offer relaxation activities, for example: playing soothing music
  • Keep things calm; for example: decrease the number of visitors
  • Read favorite stories, poems, etc., in a calm voice
  • Hold the person’s hand, give them a gentle massage
  • Keep the person safe; for example: do not leave the person alone while restless and frequently check when calm
  • Understand that restlessness may be a sign that the patient is close to death – let other family members know what is happening.