Please Throughout our entire lives the offering and receiving of nourishment is not only life sustaining, but frequently a gift of love, caring and devotion.
A caregiver may experience thoughts such as: "I feel like I'm letting him/her starve to death," or "My loved one would be stronger if only they would eat something," or maybe, "Why aren't the doctors and nurses giving a medication that will stimulate the appetite?" These are common feelings and thoughts during the family member's dying process.
We need to recognize that the body is less able to digest and use food during the later stages of a terminal illness. Many patients experience the natural progression of loss of appetite. Frequently, by forcing or artificially giving nourishment, we cause problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach distension. Most people, as their disease progresses, become less and less active and their need for energy intake diminishes.
Almost all hospice professionals agree that artificial administration of fluids such as IVs during the final stages may be detrimental to the dying person. During the final days or weeks, a natural dehydration occurs in the body because of the patient's lack of fluid intake and loss of fluids from weakening organs and skin. This often causes a euphoria or lack of awareness which may be distressing to the family if not explained. When fluids are given artificially, we stimulate the kidney system to work as it begins its normal process of slowing down. This causes increased discomfort for the patient as the need for bedpan, urinal, incontinent pad or catheter now becomes increased.
Offer your loved one ice chips or a non-alcoholic mouthwash. Small amounts of favorite beverages or cool water can be given by spoon or dropper. Lip balm or petroleum jelly will prevent dried or chapped lips.
The methods of giving artificial nutrition and fluids did not always exist, and most people died naturally – in the loving care of their families. Your time can be devoted to providing care to the one you love, as opposed to looking after equipment such as tubes, bottles, and pumps.
