10.24.2023

Counseling Adult Patients and Caregivers on Nutrition During the Dying Process

For patients and caregivers, the topic of nutrition at the end-of-life is emotional and complex. Food and nutrition are a culturally meaningful part of life, therefore reduced food and fluid intake in a dying patient can be difficult for families to accept. This Fast Fact discusses communication about nutrition at end of life and offers suggested language to use. It focuses on patients who are imminently dying (in their final days to weeks of life), for whom medically administered nutrition and hydration does not improve longevity or quality of life.

Links: PCNOW Fast Facts (10/2023)