Taste for comfort
Information for patients and those close to them when eating becomes difficult.
When patients are feeling less well, eating and drinking can become difficult.
There are a number of reasons why this can happen. These include nausea, a dry mouth, altered taste, infections like thrush or certain treatments like chemotherapy or antibiotics. This can impact someone’s quality of life so please contact a health care professional for assessment and they can discuss ways in which to help.
A person will naturally lose their appetite as they approach the end of their life. This can be challenging for individuals who may feel under pressure to keep eating or feel frustrated and sad about the loss of something they enjoyed. It can be difficult for the people looking after them too.
Towards the end of someone’s life the focus of eating shifts from nutritional gain to pleasure and enjoyment when a person is able to eat and still enjoys food.
Suggestions for supporting a patient in hospital
Visitors can bring favourite food and drinks into hospital, please talk to the nursing staff on the ward about this. There is a special menu called “A little of what you fancy” which can be accessed if required.
Suggestions for supporting patient at home
We suggest that patients try to eat for pleasure, and what they feel able to manage.
- It can help to offer small meals or snacks.
- Offer these little and often, rather than three meals a day.
- Offer food on a small plate, to prevent the feeling of being overwhelmed by choice.
- Ensure the person is sitting upright so they can swallow safely.
- Sometimes softer foods are easier to manage eg. yoghurt, soup, or ice cream.
Taste for comfort:
When a person deteriorates and can no longer eat and drink safely, we suggest focusing on taste for comfort.
A toothbrush can be dipped into a favourite drink and gently rotated around the mouth. This can be any drink they enjoy.
Importance of mouth care
When patients are unwell, they are more likely to experience problems with their mouth.
Mouth care guidance:
- Check mouth daily.
- Non-paraffin based lip balm can help if applied to lips before and after eating.
- Brush teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush.
- Rinse the mouth after each meal and at night with warm water.
- If the tongue is coated, brush gently with a soft toothbrush.
- Remove and clean dentures daily, soak them overnight.
- Drinking fluids can help keep the mouth moist and more comfortable, but it is not always possible as people become more unwell.
Dry mouth:
There are a number of things that may help a dry mouth:
- Try sips of cold drinks.
- Try sucking on ice cubes.
- Try some ice cream or frozen juices.
- Your nurse, pharmacist or doctor can provide an artificial saliva spray.
- Good mouthcare
Sore mouth:
If eating or drinking is painful, a mouthwash containing benzydamine (an anti-inflammatory medicine) such as Difflam can be helpful and can be diluted a little if stinging occurs.
Date of Publication: 17/06/2024
Reference code: PIL231/IND003
Date of next review: 01/06/2027