If your elderly loved one is receiving cancer treatment in the form of chemotherapy, it can wreak havoc on her appetite. Depending on her form of cancer and the treatment that goes along with it, it can have varying negative effects on her desire and ability to eat well, but a healthy diet is more important than ever for her recovery. Having cancer care providers working with you and your loved one can help to promote healthy eating habits during this time.
Possible Side Effects of Cancer Treatment that May Affect Diet
- Fatigue and being less active can reduce hunger so much that your loved one will forget to eat or not have the desire to eat.
- Trying to manage vomiting and nausea can either cause your loved one to fear eating or greatly limit what she can eat.
- Treatments may affect the way food tastes or affect her ability to taste food, making it less appetizing.
- Constipation can cause bloating and an uncomfortable fullness, making your loved one not want to eat.
Tips for Caregivers to Promote Healthy Eating
One of the main things to consider when helping a loved one with cancer care at home is to be patient and flexible when it comes to offering food and supporting her eating habits. You might find that having someone else like a cancer care provider help with care at home can give you the support you need to support your loved one.
Your loved one’s ability and desire to eat may change daily. She might find that something she could eat yesterday is no longer tolerated today. It can be helpful to have a variety of items at home for her to eat when she is able.
It can also help to have food within easy reach and access of your loved one so that when you are away, she can easily get what she wants without too much effort. Having a cancer care at home provider help while you are away can also be a good resource for ensuring she can eat when she is ready.
Finally, remember to offer gentle encouragement when your loved one doesn’t feel like eating. You might offer a clear broth if she feels she can’t eat solid food or offer something cold like a fruit pop to provide relief.
Food Tips During Cancer Treatments
Since eating may be greatly reduced during treatment, finding foods that are packed with the nutrients and healthy calories your loved one needs is important for helping her keep her strength up during treatment.
Here are just a few easy examples of foods that may be tolerated by most patients.
Offer liquid drinks that include plenty of calories. A banana smoothy or a protein drink can replenish fluids and provide nutrients and protein that your loved one needs.
Offer small amounts of food multiple times during the day. A large meal can be unappealing and be more likely to induce vomiting or nausea.
Offer foods that are cooling to the mouth and throat like yogurt, popsicles, and soft cheeses.
Encourage a bedtime snack. While many people are used to avoiding eating before bed, your loved one may find it a good time to get a little more calories into her day before going to sleep for the night.
Offer larger meals in the morning. Many patients have a greater appetite in the morning after they wake up. Work with your loved one to discover when she is the hungriest and center a well-balanced meal around that time.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Cancer Care Services in Reedley CA please get in touch with the caring staff at A-Plus In Home Care, Inc. today. Call (559) 224-9442.
A-Plus In Home Care, Inc. is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Fresno, Clovis, Sunnyside, Fowler, Reedley, Selma, Sanger, Madera CA, and surrounding areas.
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