Chapter 2: Meals and feeding
When the appetite wanes
Eating was always a problem. I found that if I made myself something to eat, often she would ask for some of it. That worked for quite a while.
In the later stages of life, there are
usually changes in appetite and eating. A person’s interest in food, appetite,
and ability to eat may all change. Click the arrows to see some
signs.
Decreased interest in eating
Appetite is unpredictable
Skipping meals
Eating smaller amounts
Refusing formerly favourite foods
Commenting that everything tastes the same
Changes such as dwindling appetite and weight loss may be difficult for loved ones to accept, but it is important to realize that this will probably happen and to adjust to the new reality. Of course, you want to provide nutritious meals, but it is even more important to make eating a pleasurable time – ideally spent with someone whose company person who is ill enjoys, eating foods they like, and consuming as much or as little of it as they choose.
Considerations
Palliative care
Eating and drinking serve a different purpose in palliative care.
As illness progresses, there is a point at which the body is unable to use the nutrients in food. As death approaches, eating and drinking may cause discomfort, and the person may eat and drink less or not at all. Understandably, family members often
find it difficult to see their loved one not eating or drinking and feel helpless not being able to nurture them in the way that is most familiar to them: by providing food. The focus should shift to “feeding for comfort,” as long as it is safe
for the person to swallow.
At this point, intake of fluids also decreases. Although they may not feel thirsty, people nearing death become dehydrated; this is a normal part of the natural dying process. While the dying person may no longer be drinking liquids and intravenous fluids may not be provided, caregivers can provide mouth care with a moist sponge or cloth, popsicles, or with commercially available moisturizing sprays.
What may help
Offer small amounts of food more frequently.
Encourage the person to eat when they choose to, not out of obligation.
Cold foods may be more appealing (sometimes the aroma of hot food is disturbing, so you may not be able to eat with the person who is ill).
Bland foods will probably be preferred to spicy.
Serve drinks between meals rather than with meals.
As energy lags, it might also be a good idea to use lighter weight cutlery.
Helpful resources
