They are ready to let go. This is not to be confused with people who go to the nursing home saying they have no reason to live. Resignation has bitterness. Acceptance has a measure of peace. It is important that family and physicians recognize this stage of acceptance.
Some patients fight to the end for life.
Many deny death almost to the end. Others give up too early. If family members differentiate these stages, they can more easily know how to help others die with dignity and peace. Some people are ready to die but are not allowed to do so. When people around the dying person can reach the stage of acceptance before the death, the dying person is fortunate.