Nutrition and the Caregiver

Caring for a spouse, parent, or family member with cancer can be a rewarding experience, especially when you know that your care makes a positive impact on your loved one. Today, in the United States, it is estimated that there are 65.7 million family caregivers and that 21% of U.S. households contain at least one family caregiver [i].

 

Caregiver Burden

It has been well documented that cancer caregivers stress often causes caregivers to ignore their own health and medical needs. The stress and emotional strain of caring for a loved one can have a significant impact on one’s immune system. Stress decreases the body’s ability to fight infection, contributes to risk for heart disease and stroke, and causes unnecessary weight gain or loss, depression, anxiety, and fatigue, which potentially can impair your ability to care for your loved one.

In a study of caregivers after a family member’s diagnosis (1.5 to 6 years post diagnosis), caregivers were found to continue the behaviors that negatively impact health including over half not meeting physical activity guidelines, 71% being obese, 40% eating only a quarter of the recommended number of daily servings of fruit and vegetables and over one-third drinking alcohol [ii].

Thus, as a caregiver it is important not to ignore your own nutritional needs. By improving your own access to healthy, nutritious meals you will not only be setting a good example for your loved one, but you will also be improving your own health and stamina to sustain the demands that are ahead of you. Proper nutrition with nutrient-dense foods such as poultry, meats, eggs, beans, nuts, dairy, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables will not only provide your body with well-balanced nutrition, but also contain valuable disease-fighting antioxidants and phytochemicals. Remember, the same easy to prepare meals and snacks that you organize for your loved one can be helpful to you as well.

 

Dealing with picky patients

At the same time, caregiving can also be a challenge, especially when it comes to ensuring that your loved one is receiving the proper nutrition. Here are some suggestions to help you as the caregiver to improve your loved ones’ enjoyment and tolerance to foods:

•  Have patience. Our loved ones have good and bad days. Don’t let their fluctuations in eating be a reason for a conflict. Continue to encourage and be supportive throughout the difficult times.  And, have patience with and be kind to yourself recognizing that this is a difficult situation for you too.
• Avoid large portions. Large quantities of food may seem overwhelming, and spoil your loved-one’s limited appetite. Some find it more appealing to use appetizer-sized plates rather than large dinner plates.
• Ensure proper fluid intake. Make sure that they have adequate fluids by keeping a pitcher of water or favorite drink handy.
• Make meals look appetizing. You can accent their plate with a fruit or vegetable garnish, coconut flakes or melon wedge.
• Ensure food safety. Keep the refrigerator well-stocked with easy to prepare meals and snacks and remove old or spoiled food from the fridge.
• Make the dining experience pleasant. Playing soft music, lighting candles or talking to them about the day’s events while they are eating will often take their mind off of not feeling well.

 

References