Understanding Hospice Nutrition and Hydration for End-of-Life Care

As you approach the end of your life, changes in your appetite and thirst are normal. It's natural for your favorite foods or drinks to lose their appeal, or for meals to become difficult to tolerate. For many people, food is a meaningful part of their culture and way of life, so losing interest in it can be distressing for loved ones.

However, changes in appetite and thirst are a natural part of hospice care. Your hospice care team is there to help you and your loved ones through this experience. Here's what you can expect regarding nutrition and hydration during hospice care.

Why Appetite and Thirst Change at the End of Life

As your body weakens from aging or a terminal illness, it becomes more challenging for your digestive tract to process food and fluids, which can lead to a reduced desire for eating and drinking. Additionally, many life-threatening diseases and their treatments can affect your sense of taste, making foods and drinks less enjoyable.

During hospice care, patients use less energy than they did before, which means they require less food and drink to sustain themselves. Their bodies naturally adapt to this change in calorie needs.

New Eating Habits for Hospice Patients

Due to these natural changes, you may naturally feel less hungry and thirsty during hospice care. It's important not to force yourself to eat or drink if you don't feel like it, as it can cause discomfort.

Instead, you can try some of these healthy eating habits to nourish yourself during hospice care:

• Offer small, protein-rich meals throughout the day, such as Greek yogurt or almonds. If chewing is difficult, pureed foods can be an alternative.

• Offer flavored ice pops or ice chips to hydrate or soothe dry lips.

• Enjoy meals together in a comfortable space, even if you can't sit at the table.

• Honor any food or drink cravings your loved one may have, within reason.

If your loved one doesn't want to eat or drink, don't force it. Eating and drinking can exacerbate symptoms such as nausea, constipation, weakness, fatigue, difficulty swallowing, bleeding gums, and shortness of breath.

Advice for Loved Ones

It's important for family and friends to understand hospice nutrition and hydration to reduce anxiety and worry. Your body knows what it needs, and it will tell you if you're hungry or thirsty. Natural dehydration can also trigger the release of endorphins, which can act as a painkiller.

Using hospice care to support your loved one's choices about eating and drinking is an act of compassion, not starvation. Losing weight is a natural part of the end-of-life process. Your hospice care team will monitor your loved one's nutrition and hydration needs and provide guidance throughout the process.

If you or your loved one have a life-limiting illness in Los Angeles or Orange County, or you have questions about hospice nutrition, please contact us to learn how we can help.