When a person is seriously ill or near death, it is important that they receive not only Confession, but anointing of the sick. The Holy Scriptures tell us: 'is anyone among you sick? Let them send for the priests of the Church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord."    - James 5:14

Anointing of the sick gives us the spiritual strength to carry our sufferings in hope, and if the person is unconscious can forgive their sins (if they are sorry). Normally one should confess one's sins before receiving this sacrament if he is able. 

If you or your loved one is seriously sick, or if you are feeling the weight of many years, call the office to have a priest give anointing of the sick. Do not wait until the person is near death, but if death is imminent, call the priest day or night.

In the ideal case, before a person passes from this life to the next, he would receive Confession, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Communion. Along with the Apostolic Pardon, this is the desired preparation for death. Of course the best preparation is to live a holy life.