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Appetite and IllnessMealtime TipsEmotional Support As Death NearsCaregiver SupportMore Care Tips

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Changes to Expect with Eating and Drinking

It is common for people with life-limiting illnesses to lose their appetite or desire to eat or drink at some point. They may have changes in the way they taste food or just not feel hungry or thirsty. These appetite changes can be emotional for both the person who is ill and their loved ones.

People who are very ill may feel full or have no desire for food or drink for many reasons:
  • As body functions slow down, the brain signals that food and fluids are no longer needed.
  • They may feel nauseated by movement, medications or blockages due to tumors.
  • Cancer cells can release chemicals that affect the appetite center of the brain.

As a person’s condition declines, they may want only sips of liquids or small bites of foods that are swallowed easily. At some point, they may not take in anything at all.

 

Caregiver Tips for Mealtimes

two plates showing grilled cheese sandwiches

Serve small portions so meals don’t feel overwhelming.

If you are a caregiver, try these practical tips:

  • Make mealtime a quiet, pleasant time; candles, flowers, soft music and good conversation may help.
  • Ask the person what tastes best and how much food or fluid they want—then respect their wishes.
  • Offer small meals (just a few bites) and use smaller plates and dishes; you can always give more if the person eats the small meal and wants more.
  • If nausea is a problem, serve small portions of salty (not sweet), dry foods and clear liquids.
  • Offer drinks or sips often, but do not pressure them to eat or drink; eating and drinking when they do not have the desire may cause vomiting, nausea, choking or increased swelling of the hands or feet.
  • To prevent choking, offer food and fluids only when the person is sitting up, awake and alert.
  • Offer a sipper cup or drinking straw if weakness makes it difficult to hold a cup steady.
  • Clean their mouth often—a pleasant tasting mouth may make food taste better.
  • If they are not eating or drinking, keep their lips and mouth moist for comfort.

Agrace Executive Chef Anne Swanson advises, “They may not feel as hungry as they used to or may worry about wasting food. When they do feel like eating something specific, just try it. It will be surprising what might taste good to them.”

 

Emotional Support for Changes in Appetite

Here are ways you can offer positive support, particularly when the person is nearing the end of life:

  • Let your loved one know it is OK to say “no” to food and fluids.
  • Understand and accept that gradual dehydration at the end of life is not painful; it is how the body begins the dying process.
  • Find other ways to show love and concern, such as giving a massage, playing cards or reading aloud. Comfort and loving care are the most important things you can offer.
 

Questions You May Have as Death Nears

 

Hospice Caregiver Support

If you have questions about food, nutrition or thirst regarding an Agrace Hospice Care patient, please call Agrace’s Triage Team at any time. They can offer advice or connect you with your care team.

If you have a non-urgent caregiving question, email us directly at caregiversupport@agrace.org, or send your questions through our online contact form.

Call (800) 553-4289

Call to talk to an interpreter / Tenemos intérpretes disponibles: (800) 930-2770

 

More Care Tips for Families

For more expert advice from Agrace, visit Agrace.org/CareTips.