As a caregiver, deciding to put your loved one into hospice care can be difficult. Once you do, you'll want to do everything you can to make them as comfortable as possible. For some patients, this may involve modifying their diets and feeding schedules. The following guide offers helpful tips for navigating this process and ensuring your loved one is nourished. 

What Should You Feed a Loved One in Hospice Care?

In short, there aren't rules around what hospice care patients should and shouldn't eat. Because hospice care is designed for those with terminal conditions, the focus shifts from creating a nutritionally driven diet to one that is comforting and manageable. Unless otherwise specified by their doctor, you should let your loved one eat and drink whatever they request and can physically consume. The idea is to make eating a pleasurable experience that brings them joy. If, for some reason, the requested food or beverage poses a safety hazard, work with your designated health care provider to modify the recipe as much as possible to accommodate your loved one's needs. 

What Should You Do if Your Loved One Doesn't Want to Eat?

Decreased appetite is incredibly common in hospice patients. They may have several physical symptoms that deter them from eating, whether digestive problems like nausea and vomiting or pain from dental issues. Most hospice providers advise against forcing patients to eat, choosing to honor the individual's wishes instead. However, you can take steps to foster a greater desire to eat.

First, try giving them foods that combat or mitigate some of their symptoms. For example, if they're struggling with nausea, opt for bland or healing foods like plain white rice or chicken soup. If they have discomfort when eating, give them soft foods that are easy to chew, such as yogurt, scrambled eggs, or mashed potatoes.

If you're considering placing a loved one in hospice care, turn to the professionals at Deer Valley Hospice Care in St. Louis, MO. These compassionate caregivers will do everything possible to ensure your loved one is comfortable and well cared for. Visit the website to learn more about their services, or call (314) 396-2211 to schedule a consultation.