End-of-Life University Ep. 464 Nutrition at the End of Life with Barbara Karnes RN
Learn about a guidebook that teaches how to offer appropriate nutrition for a loved one approaching death.
This week I’m welcoming my recurring guest and friend Barbara Karnes RN, hospice nurse, author, thought leader and expert on end-of-life care and the dynamics of dying. Barbara is the author of Gone From My Sight, “the little blue book” used by hospices around the world to teach families what to expect as their loved one dies. She is also the author of the new book Always Offer, Never Force that teaches caregivers about the changing needs for food and nutrition as the body approaches death. We discuss the book and our personal experiences in this informative conversation. Learn more at Barbara’s website:
This episode includes:
- How food is a top concern for caregivers when a loved one is nearing death
- The body needs food less and less as death approaches
- How food represents love for most of us and is tied to our emotions and socialization
- Concentrate on high protein and high calorie foods from the time of diagnosis to build up an energy reserve
- Having a flexible plan for nutrition during the last months of life can help alleviate stress and tension
- How the judgments of others can cause guilt for caregivers around food
- Why tube feeding and IV nutrition are not helpful and may be harmful at the end of life
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Contact information for ordering books from Barbara’s website
- Get EOLU Podcast Merch here
- Conversations on Death with ChatGPT – Audiobook here; Print Book here
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