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‘I'm Just Not Interested in Eating’: When nutrition becomes an issue in palliative care
Margaret O'Connor
Vivian Bullwinkel Chair in Nursing, Palliative Care, Monash University, Peninsula Campus, Frankston VIC
Abstract
Coping with issues of hydration and nutrition are central when caring for a person at any stage of a life threatening or limiting illness. Particularly as death approaches, many practical and ethical issues may arise in consideration about how a person should be supported in assisting their nutrition and hydration.
Support and education of the person themselves, their family and carers is vital in this process. This paper will use a case study and a take longitudinal view of illness, in addressing the nursing aspects of assisting a person's nutrition, firstly in the early stages of illness and then in considering nutritional needs in care towards the end of life.
Keywords
Care at the end of life, nutrition and hydration, nursing support, palliative care
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