How long can you last without food

[user1465146157]

My dad is in the last stages of dementia

He's been on morphine for two days and stopped food and drink

He's shaky
Not really blinking anymore
Breathing fast and constantly

How many days can this last? I don't want him to suffer or starve - nurses advised food isn't good for him now if he can't swallow

[cheekaa]

My dear mother lasted nearly 20 days. Be guided by your palliative nurse.

[Soontobe60]

Oh dear, that must be hard for you. Is he refusing or not conscious enough to actually eat or drink? My grandma deteriorated gradually, but once she got to the stage where she was just sleeping, not eating or drinking, it was decided to let her slip away. She had some morphine, and didn't seem to be in any pain. The end lasted a couple of days and her breathing slowed down until she was only taking a breath once a minute or so. After that stage, she passed away about an hour later. She was 100.

[Mcface]

As the other user said, people can go quite a while without food and drink. The concept of someone not eating and drinking is hard to bear, but as long as he is settled and comfortable he will not be suffering because of this. Eating and drinking can sometimes make people more uncomfortable at this stage. If he does have moments where he is more alert and able then they could give him sips. Regular mouth care- moistening his mouth with water using a sponge- will help and prevent his mouth getting sore. As long as he isn't on oxygen he could have some vaseline on his lips so they don't get dry. And just putting moisturiser on if his skin is getting dry are little ways to help keep him comfy. Keeping him comfortable using good medication and personal care is the best thing to do. If he's needing injections for morphine they could change this to a little pump which will keep him comfy and mean he doesn't need so many injections. Usually peoples breathes become spaced out before they pass away, but it is really difficult to give any time frame as everyone s journey is different, but it sounds like your Dad is asleep and comfortable which is the important thing. Just spend time with him as you can- chat with him, put quiet music on, or just have the room peaceful- whatever you feel is best. And make sure you eat and drink and get some rest, take care x

[concernedforthefuture]

My Dad lasted almost 6 days with no fluid or food when he was in his final days. If he's receiving fluids (drip), he could last for a few weeks without food. If he's not having any fluid either, it won't be long.

[Mcface]

If his breathing is really rapid, they could increase his morphine which could help settle this.

[SouthernComforts]

Sorry to hear this. My grandad was alive for around 2 weeks with no food and drink.

[Mcface]

Just to reply to concerned for the futures post. Unfortunately, even without a drip people can continue anywhere between days and around 3 weeks without any food and drink. With a drip it could potentially be even longer than this, a couple of months even. It would be an unusual decision to keep someone who is end of life on a drip long term though and probably not in their best interests. A lot depends on the level of someones frailty, health issues, effect of no longer taking medication and their food and drink intake prior to this stage. Sorry if this sounds too matter of fact, I hope it's helpful.

[Ahwig]

The old saying is all the 3’s. You can’t live for longer than 3 minutes without oxygen, 3 days without drink 3.weeks without food

[MrsJustDo]

My dad had FTD which ultimately ended in him being unable to swallow. Once he reached that stage and hospital withdrew fluids, he deteriorated incredibly quickly got about a week before passing away.