The Impact on the Quality of Life for the Tube Fed Elderly

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This 5 page paper discusses the practice of tube feeding the elderly, and argues that the invasive procedure has a significant negative impact on the quality of life of the patient thus fed. The writer argues that truly understanding the nature of tube feeding should force a consideration of the ethics of the practice, and the fact that it can be seen as an heroic, and sometimes overstepping, measure to keep the terminally ill alive. The writer suggests that a true understanding of tube feeding might force a reconsideration of the use of this intervention when it so dramatically diminishes a patient's quality of life. There are 8 sources listed in the bibliography.