Food and drink

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Eating the right way

It is important to maintain a healthy diet and particularly to ensure sufficient intake of proteins (meat, fish, eggs, milk etc).

However, towards the end of their lives, people often have a small appetite or none at all, or their tastes and preferences may change. Carers should not feel upset if little is eaten of a carefully prepared meal.

If you are providing food and refreshment for the person you are caring for, the following suggestions may be helpful:

Try offering small helpings made to look as attractive as possible.
Offer nourishing drinks and food supplements in addition to meals or as an alternative.
Many people can tolerate jelly and ice cream.
Boiled sweets can sooth a dry mouth and relieve nausea. Fizzy drinks such as mineral water or lemonade can also help relieve nausea.
A coated tongue can be relieved by unsweetened pineapple chunks or juice if the mouth is not sore.
Avoiding cooking smells or offering cold food may help avoid nausea.

Ask your District Nurse, GP or Marie Curie Nurse for advice if nausea is preventing the person you are caring for from eating, or download our loss of appetite leaflet below.