{"id":128,"date":"2025-08-15T03:55:05","date_gmt":"2025-08-14T19:55:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/365cps.org.sg\/resourcehub\/?p=128"},"modified":"2025-09-24T16:33:36","modified_gmt":"2025-09-24T08:33:36","slug":"nourishing-your-loved-ones-in-palliative-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/365cps.org.sg\/resourcehub\/nourishing-your-loved-ones-in-palliative-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Nourishing Your Loved One In Palliative Care"},"content":{"rendered":"

For many of us, food is a way to share love and care. But when you are caring for someone with a serious illness, mealtimes can become difficult. You might see a loss of appetite, changes in taste and smell, or trouble with swallowing.<\/p>\n

In palliative care, the goal of nutrition isn’t just about maximising calories. Instead, the focus is on comfort and quality of life\u2014making mealtimes a source of joy again, easing symptoms, and bringing a sense of pleasure back to food.<\/p>\n

Here are some tips to help you do just that:<\/p>\n

Discovering Their Food Preferences Amidst Appetite and Taste Changes<\/h2>\n

A person’s favorite meal can lose its appeal as their body and sense of taste change. They may have loved Hokkien Mee, but now it no longer sounds good. The best way to know what works is to tune in to their preferences by paying close attention to their reactions to different foods and be open to their feedback.<\/p>\n

You may explore adding flavor with herbs and spices or try different ingredients to enhance flavour and aroma. You can also try cold foods, such as popsicles, milkshakes, and yogurt, as they are often easier to tolerate, especially with nausea or a dry mouth.<\/p>\n

It is natural to feel concerned when your loved one isn’t eating much, but it is important to let them decide how much they want to eat. Avoid force-feeding, as it can cause unnecessary stress and turn mealtimes into a struggle for both of you.<\/p>\n

Offer Smaller, More Frequent Meals to Boost Nutrient Intake<\/h2>\n

Large, full portions of food can feel overwhelming. A more manageable approach is to offer smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This makes mealtimes less intimidating and can help your loved one get the nutrition they need without feeling pressured.<\/p>\n

Make every bite count \u2014 with a reduced appetite, it is important to make the most of every meal. Focus on including foods that are high in protein and calories by looking for simple ways to enhance the food you are serving.<\/p>\n