CHAPTER 21 | End of Life and Palliative Care 333 Figure 21.2 Identifying and managing diet-related issues in palliative care
Reprinted with permission from Holdoway A. Nutrition in palliative care: issues, perceptions and opportunities to improve care for patients. Br J Nurs. 2022;31(21):S20-S27. doi:10 . 12968 / bjon . 2022 . 31 . 21 . s20
This model incorporates the therapeutic use of
touch and the importance of using intuition. It is important to recognize that preference for touch, per- sonal space, and direct eye contact varies by culture and individual.
Summary
When caring for individuals receiving palliative or end-of-life care, nutrition and hydration issues are common. It is important that the individual is assessed appropriately and that symptoms potentially affecting their nutritional intake are identified. Deci- sions concerning nutrition should always be people
centered, individualized, and able to be changed in response to any change in condition. The RDN can experience a great deal of satisfaction in individualizing and implementing an appropriate nutrition care plan for the older adult. Nutrition and hydration have a rightful place in the care team’s arsenal of therapies when it comes to palliative or end-of-life care. Although many RDNs find it uncomfortable and intimidating to discuss issues surrounding death and dying, it is important that they do so. At the same time, they must examine their own feelings and belief systems, see where their own biases lead them, and always abide by the Code of Ethics for the Nutrition and Dietetics Profession.44,58
Only then can they be of greatest assistance to individuals and their families.