My mother won't eat much at all. Should we prepare for her impending death?

Not eating much could be a sign of depression.

Just 24 hours before my father-in-law died, he was eating like a horse. My mom on the other hand was dying of cancer, and she totally stopped everything 24 hours before she died. I think it may depend on the person, and whatever is killing them. If us kids had thought mom would've eaten if we had smothered everything in chocolate or gravy or chocolate gravy, we would've done it. If there's something that used to turn your mother on food wise, and it would perk up her taste buds, do it. The last taste buds to go are the 'sweet and/or salty' ones, so I'm told.

Not eating much can be one of the things that happens toward the end of life, but it can be from many other causes as well. Is your mother sleeping a lot now?

Have you asked for an evaluation for hospice care?