Death by voluntary dehydration -- what the caregivers say

Article Abstract:

Several doctors and nurses found to their surprise that death by dehydration and fasting is not always a gruesome experience for most patients. Most patients who choose this option have a terminal illness and voluntarily decide to refuse all food and fluids. They usually die peacefully within a week or two. Doctors and nurses should still offer palliative care and complete support to these patients and their families.

Palliative treatment, Palliative care, Dehydration (Physiology), Fasting

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Nurses' experiences with hospice patients who refuse food and fluids to hasten death

Article Abstract:

Some terminally ill patients in a hospice program may refuse food and fluids because they find no meaning in life and are ready to die. A survey of 307 nurses found that one-third had a cared for a patient who refused food and fluids for this reason. Most died a good death within two weeks.

Death of

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Understanding hospice -- an underutilized option for life's final chapter

Article Abstract:

Hospice care is considered a part of mainstream medicine in the U.S., with Medicare being the primary payer. However, it remains an underutilized service for end-of-life care as many of its elements are not understood by both doctors and patients.

United States, Services information, Services, Terminal care

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