Hospice Palliative Care Tip of the Month – July 2014
Waterloo Wellington HPC Consultation Services
Helping the Patient Who Wants to Eat There are many symptoms patients suffer that may affect eating and appetite. These stubborn symptoms might include constipation, belching, hiccups, diarrhea or irritable bowel, mouth sores, nausea, vomiting, taste changes, or difficulty swallowing, to name only a few. The desire to eat is strong in many of our patients, and thus it is our obligation to suggest and assist in strategies as they strive to find the best solutions to improve their quality of life. Treatment and management of the underlying symptom is naturally the primary goal, with the dietician being a critical team member to collaborate with in exploring approaches with our patients. At the same time, the tips below may support the patient attempting to maintain eating and nutrition requirements.
Ideas That May Help! Focus on meeting immediate nutritional needs such as: o High calorie, high protein o Nutritional supplements o Modifying the textures and consistency of the food Offer smaller portions throughout the day Change the setting for eating, away from areas where other odors may interfere with the aroma of the food Try a sorbet (iced fruit flavor without milk products) right before serving the food to cleanse the palate Talk with the health care team about medications available to trial should simples strategies such as these not be successful alone.
Source: JANET CHIPPIN, REGISTERED DIETITIAN. Nutrition and Hydration at the End of Life: A Critical Decision.
Presented at the HPCO Conference April 2014.
