Diet Considerations During Palliative Care

Wondering how to meet the unique foodservice needs of your loved one during palliative care?

Food has a much greater role than simply providing calories and Nutrients to sustain life.  Beyond nutrition, eating and drinking are social opportunities and represent basic pleasures in life. At end of life, some other steps we can take to maximize food enjoyment and safety may include:

• Encourage family members to bring in favorite foods from home.
• Liberalize diet orders when appropriate – no longer are strict cardiac or diabetic restrictions required.
• Provide liquids, such as supplements (Ensure, Boost, Pure protein drinks) and soft foods which may be easier for the patient to consume.
• Gather a list of the patient’s favorite foods, get help from family members if needed, and try to accommodate these when possible.
• Encourage proper sanitation standards for everyone involved in the patient’s food preparation to protect from food-borne infections.  Keep hot food hot and cold food cold!

The individual at end of life should be allowed to choose if and when to eat or drink.  Force-feeding those who have lost their appetites and thirst may cause distress, even if it is well-intentioned by family or caregivers who feel compelled to get food into the patient.

Anne M. Harbord, MS, RDN

Board Certified Specialist in Geriatric Nutrition Consultant for Hospice of the North Coast