Abstract: . . .  If it is not practical for the patient to share meal times you may want to make morning or afternoon tea into a time of sharing. The rituals of taking food and drink satisfy emotional as well as bodily needs. Adding nutrition to easily prepared and eaten meals Fortify milk-based drinks with powdered milk, silken or soft tofu (soy protein) etc. Fruit added and blended makes a smoothie. Cooked sweet potato, pumpkin or squash can . . .
. . .  food as a source of pleasure, a way of showing care and a way of sharing daily life, rather than just as nourishment for the body. If the person you are caring for is anorexic (looses his or her appetite) make sure that the palliative care (PC) team knows so that any treatable causes (constipation, nausea, mouth sores etc.) can be managed. Ask for an explanation of the probable causes of decreasing appetite, and make sure that you understand the role . . .
. . .  sandwiches. Include nuts such as almond meal in baked foods. Make use of sesame seeds (halva and tahini) hazel nut spread etc. The Cancer Council of South Australia’s booklet Food for Faded Appetites gives good advice to carers, including recipes. See their website www.cancersa.org.au or contact the Cancer Council of Victoria Helpline on 13 11 20 and request a copy.  . . .
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