End-of-life nutrition is just as important as the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of hospice patients. As patients enter their end-of-life journey, their nutritional needs change, and our care team works hard to ensure patients receive a proper diet that focuses on comfort while respecting their preferences.
How a Proper Diet Helps Patients
At iServe Hospice, our dietitians take the time to assess and create a personalized diet tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
- Aids symptom management. Food plays a bigger role than you may think in end-of-life care! A well-planned diet can help manage symptoms like constipation and nausea. For example, some foods are more effective in boosting energy levels, while others may be better suited for patients with a loss of appetite. Our dietician will also create recommended portion sizes and choose food to encourage mouth moistening. Patients ’ diets are tailored to accommodate their unique medical needs, allowing them to live their days with dignity, respect, and comfort. For example, some patients may have difficulty swallowing, so we’ll focus on including foods that minimize the risk of choking, such as soft or pureed foods.
- Supports daily functions. It’s common for patients to lose their appetite as their life-limiting illness starts shutting down their body, or symptoms can have uncomfortable side effects, so our dietitian takes this into account. While we won’t force nutrition, our dietitian creates a diet that encourages small meals, frequent snacks, and moderate fluid intake, rather than large meals. This is done because nutrients like protein are essential for patients to maintain their strength, muscle mass, and ability to perform simple daily living activities, such as walking.
- Supports patients’ psychological well-being. Food is known to be a great source of comfort for many, particularly in hospice care. Our dietitian works familiar foods and desserts into patients’ diet, which are well-received. We also find that even if patients are not eating large meals, the social aspect of eating with their loved ones and other patients can help bring a sense of connection and normalcy in their lives.
- Gives the patient independence. Life-limiting illnesses can take away a patient’s freedom, and so it’s important to use their diet to give them some freedom back in making their own decisions. This means we’ll never force nutrition on our patients, as we do know that loss of appetite is to be expected at this time. Our dietician takes the time to chat with patients, learn about their preferences, and get their opinions on creating a diet that they’ll want to eat while meeting their nutritional needs.
Compassionate Dietitian Services at iServe Hospice
At iServe Hospice, we understand that patients starting their final journey will require tailored and hands-on physical, spiritual, and emotional care. This includes robust dietary support to manage their symptoms and allow them to live out their days with dignity, comfort, and respect.
To learn more about our dietitian and compassionate care services, please contact us at (214) 384-2949 to schedule your free consultation.
