Nutrition and hydration Reduced oral intake is part of the dying process. This can be an emotive topic and should be discussed routinely with patients (where possible) and their families. Simple measures to support nutrition and hydration when someone is dying When a person is able to eat and drink, they should always be supported to do so as they desire. When someone is dying, the purpose of nutrition and hydration should be patient comfort and enjoyment. If the person has swallowing problems, discuss the benefits and risks of continuing to eat and drink. When someone only has a short time to live it may still be appropriate for them to eat and drink even if there is a risk of aspiration. •
Refer to Eating and Drinking with Risk of Aspiration information leaflet.
All patients should be offered frequent mouth care. Consider using a patient’s preferred drink in place of water during mouth care. Oral thrush is common – assess all patients and treat as necessary. Thirst or dry mouth can also be relieved by simple measures such as: • • •
Sucking on ice lollies or small chips of ice Assistance with brushing teeth or cleaning dentures Application of lip balm
11
