What does a palliative care dietitian do?

Palliative care dieticians help people with serious illnesses eat in the best way, to feel better, retain strength, and help them cope with their illness and treatment.

They provide nutrition advice to manage symptoms that affect eating, like nausea, taste changes, or loss of appetite. They can make individual meal plans based on personal preferences and nutritional needs to help manage symptoms and improve well-being.

Here are different ways they can help:

Nutritional assessment

A palliative care dietitian looks closely at a person's nutritional health. They identify missing nutrients and tailor a diet to meet specific needs, considering the overall health condition, disease progression, and treatment plans. They make sure the person gets the right amount and types of food to help manage symptoms and maintain strength.

Meal planning

Based on the assessment, they make individual plans based on medical conditions, symptoms, preferences, and nutritional requirements. This plan may include meal plans, diet modifications, and supplement recommendations.

Symptom management

They can offer guidance and suggest diet modifications to manage symptoms that may impact nutrition, including; loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, changes in taste and smell, and swallowing difficulties.

Collaboration with the care team

They can participate in care team meetings, assist with treatment decisions, and advise on a person's dietary needs.

Guidance for caregivers

Dieticians can support and guide family members and other caregivers. They advise on food selection, portion management, and meal plans to promote better appetite and enjoyment. They may also provide emotional support for any concerns or fears about food, eating, and body image.

End-of-life nutrition

As the illness worsens, the dietitian helps with difficulties related to food and fluid intake, always considering the person's wishes and comfort.