In this Encore episode, Claire O’Berry speaks with Judith Schwartz, former Clinical Director of End of Life Choices New York, about VSED: Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking.

This conversation offers a grounded look at what VSED involves, what supports are essential for comfort and safety, and why some people explore VSED when other end-of-life options are not available or accessible. Judith also discusses advance directive considerations, including documents designed to guide feeding decisions if a person later loses capacity.

Resources mentioned


End of Life Choices New York: VSED information and education




Dementia Advance Directive and “Minimal Comfort Feeding” option




Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking: A Compassionate, Widely Available Option for Hastening Death (Oxford University Press), edited by Timothy E. Quill, Paul T. Menzel, Thaddeus Pope, and Judith Schwarz



Listener care note: This episode discusses end-of-life decision-making. If you feel distressed or at risk, please pause and contact local crisis supports or emergency services.

In this Encore episode, Claire O&rsquo;Berry speaks with Judith Schwartz, former Clinical Director of End of Life Choices New York, about VSED: Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking.
This conversation offers a grounded look at what VSED involves, what supports are essential for comfort and safety, and why some people explore VSED when other end-of-life options are not available or accessible. Judith also discusses advance directive considerations, including documents designed to guide feeding decisions if a person later loses capacity.
Resources mentioned
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">
End of Life Choices New York: VSED information and education 
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
Dementia Advance Directive and &ldquo;Minimal Comfort Feeding&rdquo; option 
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking: A Compassionate, Widely Available Option for Hastening Death (Oxford University Press), edited by Timothy E. Quill, Paul T. Menzel, Thaddeus Pope, and Judith Schwarz 
</li>
</ul>
Listener care note: This episode discusses end-of-life decision-making. If you feel distressed or at risk, please pause and contact local crisis supports or emergency services.

Dying Your Way explores the practical heart and soul of our greatest exit. You will hear from family members, carers and patients themselves with profound insights that will shine a light on this mortal experience.

Join certified End of Life Doula as she speaks with experts in the field of death and dying as well as those who bravely share their personal stories as a real life experience.

This is the conversation that looks at death in the way it should be…a courageous and sacred event.

This is Dying Your Way

Join the conversation on our FaceBook group, search for Dying your Way. Or to learn more or contact us go to www.dyingyourway.com.

Dying Your Way explores the practical heart and soul of our greatest exit. You will hear from family members, carers and patients themselves with profound insights that will shine a light on this mortal experience.

Join certified End of Life Doula as she speaks with experts in the field of death and dying as well as those who bravely share their personal stories as a real life experience.

This is the conversation that looks at death in the way it should be…a courageous and sacred event.

This is Dying Your Way

Join the conversation on our FaceBook group, search for Dying your Way. Or to learn more or contact us go to www.dyingyourway.com.

Dying Your Way

Dying Your Way explores the practical heart and soul of our greatest exit. You will hear from family members, carers and patients themselves with profound insights that will shine a light on this mortal experience.
Join certified End of Life Doula as she speaks with experts in the field of death and dying as well as those who bravely share their personal stories as a real life experience.
This is the conversation that looks at death in the way it should be&hellip;a courageous and sacred event.
This is Dying Your Way
Join the conversation on our FaceBook group, search for Dying your Way. Or to learn more or contact us go to <a href="http://www.dyingyourway.com">www.dyingyourway.com</a>.