Every effort must be made to ensure that a patient's last days are spent in as much comfort as possible and according to the patient's wishes. Be sure your family and other caregivers know your plan. A. Pain can almost always be effectively managed, and without the use of needles or tubes. A. Many people at the end of life do not feel hunger or thirst. Artificial feeding is rarely needed to provide comfort to the dying person.
Ice chips appear to cool the mouth and provide hydration.
Q. I have heard about hospices. A hospice is a program for caring for dying persons. Inpatient and home hospice services are generally short term to control pain, or when a caregiver needs a break . Q. I don't want to be alone. A. A variety of community programs, including hospices, train volunteers to help as companions, visitors, drivers, etc.