Food plays an important role in our daily lives – and is at the center of many family traditions – it is difficult to see a loved one not eating or drinking near the end of life. However, as people decline, they often lose their appetites and don’t want to eat.
Some become so weak they have difficulty swallowing and develop the risk of choking. As a person’s condition progresses, he or she will take in less food and liquids. As the body slows down, it is less able to use nutrients and fluids. Meats are usually the first to go, followed by vegetables and other hard-to-digest foods. Some patients may eventually take only a syringe of liquid by mouth.
By observing a loved one’s desire to eat and ability to swallow, you will know what type of nutrition is appropriate. At some point,, eating and drinking will stop all together.
Loved ones often want to encourage the patient in this later state to eat but it can result in bloating, congestion, and nausea. When this occurs, it is important to remember that your loved one is not experiencing hunger ; he or she is dying from their disease.
Artificial nutrition or hydration is not usually helpful for those with advanced disease because it may increase symptoms of congestion, shortness of breath and pain and heighten discomfort during the dying process.
When feeding no longer brings comfort, you can nourish your loved one with your caregiving, nourish their mind with your understanding, nourish the relationship with your presence and nourish their spirit with your love.