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Comfort Care for Eating and Drinking: Resources for Long-Term Care

Publish Date:

FLTCA Alignments:

As residents in long-term care (LTC) approach the end of life, their experiences with food and fluid intake often change. This change can be part of the natural end-of-life journey or a result of underlying health conditions that make eating difficult or undesirable. Decreased appetite, challenges with swallowing, and reduced interest in food are common. Comfort care for eating and drinking focuses on enhancing the resident’s quality of life and comfort, rather than attempting to meet diet and nutrition-focused goals, such as maintaining body weight or eating sufficient protein or vitamins and minerals. This approach prioritizes the resident’s needs and preferences, ensuring they feel respected and cared for during this time.

Available Resources for Family, Team Members & Residents:

Image of resident eating a meal with the text, "Brochure, Family Members and Residents'"

Brochure for Family Members and Residents:

An easy-to-understand overview of comfort care for eating and drinking, including key principles and what to expect.

Image of family member holding a resident's hand with the text, "Resource, Family Members and Residents'"

Resource for Family Members and Residents:

Information on recognizing and managing eating-related changes, focusing on maintaining comfort and emotional well-being.

Image of care providers assisting a long-term care resident with the text, "Resource: care providers and team members"

Resource for Care Providers/Team Members:

Tips and strategies for implementing comfort care practices and ensuring the resident’s needs and preferences are prioritized.

Why Comfort Care?

Comfort care aims to ease the physical and emotional factors associated with eating challenges in LTC homes. By prioritizing resident comfort and adapting to their changing needs, comfort care supports a more dignified and compassionate end-of-life experience.

Program Partners

This work is developed by Jill Koechl, PhD under the supervision of Prof. Heather Keller, RD PhD (Nutrition & Aging, University of Waterloo/Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging), in collaboration with the Ontario CLRI.

Related Resources

Nutrition in Long-Term Care

The Nutrition in Disguise (NID) project focuses on creating nutrient-dense recipes by adding healthy ingredients to common foods that older adults enjoy.

Nutrition in Disguise Recipes

Download enhanced recipes for common meals in Ontario LTC homes (in Microsoft Word format). Each recipe was vetted by a dietician for nutrition and cost efficiency for LTC.

CHOICE+ Program: Making the Most of Mealtimes

CHOICE+ is an innovative program that enhances the mealtime experience for residents in long-term care. It focuses on nurturing relationships and creating comfortable dining environments.

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