Minimal Comfort Feeding in Advanced Dementia in the U.S.: Social Work Perspectives and Practice Implications.

Abstract

Some people diagnosed with dementia don't want to live through dementia's advanced stages. This article presents a new practice, Minimal Comfort Feeding, and contrasts it with Medical Aid in Dying (MAID), Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED), VSED-AD (by advance directive), and Comfort Feeding Only (CFO). Also presented are results from a survey of primarily palliative social workers about their opinions regarding MCF. These social workers report potential benefits and challenges with MCF. Practice implications include the need for organizational protocols, staff education and training, as well as appropriate support for all caregivers involved.