Journal article
Minimal Comfort Feeding in Advanced Dementia in the U.S.: Social Work Perspectives and Practice Implications
Journal of social work in end-of-life & palliative care, 42670950
08/31/2026
DOI: 10.1080/15524256.2026.2724835
PMID: 42670950
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.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Minimal Comfort Feeding in Advanced Dementia in the U.S.: Social Work Perspectives and Practice Implications
- Creators
- Mercedes Bern-Klug - University of IowaMeredith Levine - Harry and Jeanette Weinberg FoundationThaddeus Pope - Hamline UniversityElizabeth Loggers - Cape Town HVTN Immunology Laboratory / Hutchinson Centre Research Institute of South AfricaHope Wechkin - EvergreenHealth
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of social work in end-of-life & palliative care, 42670950
- DOI
- 10.1080/15524256.2026.2724835
- PMID
- 42670950
- NLM abbreviation
- J Soc Work End Life Palliat Care
- ISSN
- 1552-4256
- eISSN
- 1552-4264
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Number of pages
- 15
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 08/31/2026
- Academic Unit
- International Programs; School of Social Work
- Record Identifier
- 9985222682902771
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