Monday, June 30, 2014

A special note for caregivers

    • Do not be surprised or upset if your loved one’s tastes change from day to day. There may be days when he or she does not want a favorite food or says it tastes bad now.
    • Keep food within easy reach. This way, your loved one can have a snack when he or she is ready to eat. You might put a snack-pack of applesauce or pudding (along with a spoon) on the bedside table. Or try keeping a bag of cut-up carrots on the refrigerator shelf
    Offer gentle support. This is much more helpful than pushing your loved one to eat. Suggest that he or she drinks plenty of clear and full liquids when he or she has no appetite. For ideas, see the lists of clear liquids and full-liquid foods.
  • Talk with your loved one about ways to manage eating problems. Doing this together can help you both feel more in control.
For more information about being a caregiver, see When Someone You Love Is Being Treated for Cancer. You can get this book free from the National Cancer Institute. Call 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) or order online at http://www.cancer.gov/publications.

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