HOSPICE CARE

5 Ways How Hospice Care Helps with End-Of-Life Nutrition

As people age, their bodies change and require different types of nutrition to remain healthy. This is especially true for those nearing the end of their lives. End-of-life nutrition is the term used to describe the nutritional support provided to patients who are in hospice care or receiving palliative care. Patients must obtain the necessary nutrients to maintain their physical strength, manage symptoms, and improve their overall quality of life.

Hospice care is provided to patients nearing the end of their lives to provide comfort and support to patients and their families during this difficult time. Hospice care can be provided in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and patients’ homes. Of course, part of this also includes nutrition, which is vital because they still need it for their well-being.

Beyond that, hospice care can also help with end-of-life nutrition in many ways, such as:

1. Working with the Patient’s Family to Deliver Quality Care

One of the ways hospice care helps with end-of-life nutrition is by working closely with the patient’s family. Hospice care teams understand that families play a crucial role in caring for their loved ones, so they work with families to understand the patient’s nutritional needs and preferences and develop a care plan that meets them.

Hospice care teams also educate and support families to help them understand the importance of nutrition in end-of-life care. They may provide resources and guidance to help families prepare meals or make dietary changes that support the patient’s health and comfort.

2. Legal, Religious, and Ethical Education Regarding Nutritional Needs

End-of-life nutrition can be complex, especially regarding legal, religious, and ethical considerations. Hospice care teams are trained to address these issues and provide guidance to patients and their families. For example, some patients may have religious or cultural beliefs that impact their dietary choices. Because of this, hospice care teams can work with patients and families to understand these beliefs and develop a care plan that respects their values and preferences.

3. Reduced Risk of Dehydration

For many hospice patients, dehydration is a common concern. This can be due to decreased appetite, difficulty swallowing, medication side effects, or limited access to fluids. For this reason, proper hydration is crucial for comfort and overall well-being.

Hospice care teams are trained to monitor and manage hydration levels in patients. They can guide the importance of regular fluid intake and offer strategies to encourage hydration, such as using flavored drinks or providing small, frequent sips. Additionally, they may recommend using hydration aids, such as intravenous fluids or subcutaneous hydration, if necessary.

4. Prioritizing a Patient’s Level of Comfort

The point of hospice care is to ensure a patient gets maximum comfort and quality of life in their remaining time. This means that managing pain and other symptoms is a top priority. In terms of nutrition, this is vital because unmanaged symptoms, such as nausea or constipation, can further decrease appetite and hinder proper hydration.

Furthermore, the hospice care team individually assesses and addresses the patient’s nutritional needs. They may collaborate with a registered dietitian to develop a personalized nutrition plan considering the patient’s dietary needs and preferences. This may involve modifying the texture or consistency of food to make it easier to swallow or digest, offering small and frequent meals, or providing nutritional supplements when necessary.

5. Critical Decision-Making

A fundamental aspect of hospice care is making critical decisions for the patient. Of course, nutrition is not an exception because the hospice care team may need to make decisions regarding the patient’s nutrition. This could include decisions about tube feeding or intravenous nutrition if the patient cannot eat or swallow or if their nutritional needs cannot be met through oral intake alone. These decisions are made in collaboration with the patient and their family, including their wishes and values.

Conclusion

Hospice care encompasses various needs of patients nearing the end of their lives, and nutrition is no exception. It will take a lot of work to administer proper nutritional care, so multiple parties, including the patient, their family, and the hospice facility, must collaborate to meet all dietary needs. This way, the patient can still receive nourishment and maintain their quality of life as much as possible during their final days.

Inspire Hospice provides top-quality services for hospice care in Atlanta. Hospice care prioritizes a patient’s comfort and well-being, so we will ensure your loved one gets the best care. Schedule a call today for a consultation!