12 Signs that someone has weak health

9. Incontinence

Both urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control) and fecal incontinence (loss of bowel control) are common near the end of life.4

Incontinence can be a result of surgery or illness, or because the person is simply too weak to go to the bathroom. At the very end, when the urinary and bowel muscles relax entirely, the person will have no control over these functions.

If a loved one soils or pees on themselves, it is important to clean them immediately to prevent irritation, sores, and infections that cause pain.

10. Skin Changes

Hands and feet may become colder and the skin may look blotchy, purplish, and mottled as a person nears. These changes happen because the heart is no longer able to pump blood as effectively to the limbs.8

Over time, the mottling may work its way up the arms and legs, while the lips and nails may turn bluish due to the lack of oxygen (referred to as cyanosis). The swelling of the legs and ankles (peripheral edema) is also common.

Oxygen therapy may help ease cyanosis, while compression socks may help reduce edema and possibly pain as well.

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