10/18/2026
๐๐ ๐ต๐ผ๐๐ฝ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ด๐ผ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ผ ๐๐๐ผ๐ฝ ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐บ๐ ๐น๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ?
Hospice doesn't withhold food or water from a patient who wants and can safely receive them.
As serious illness progresses, the body may need less food and fluid. Appetite, thirst, and the ability to swallow can also change. Pressuring someone to eat may sometimes cause discomfort, nausea, choking, or breathing difficulties.
The hospice team helps families understand these changes and offers ways to provide comfort based on the patient's needs and wishes.
A declining appetite can be painful for families to witness. It isn't a sign that they have stopped caring or aren't doing enough.
