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I would not permit a caregiver to bring food to my Husband.
Not knowing how the food was prepared. What the kitchen is like where the food was prepared. The quality of the products used.
Is the caregiver FULLY aware of ALL the allergies my Husband had?
That would have been my concerns and that was pre COVID. Now I would also add in...
Who would also have access to the kitchen where the food was made? Were all people entering the kitchen wearing masks? Were all people able to keep proper distance? Was the person preparing food wearing gloves once the food was done? (food safety regulations require the use of gloved or utensils to handle food one it is "ready to eat")

You can ask the client or family to get ingredients and you could prepare food in the home since it would be a more controlled environment.
If a person does not want to eat that is their choice.
You can offer.
You can not force.
You can bring a utensil with food on it to the mouth if they keep the mouth closed or turn the head that is an indication they do not want to eat.

"We" are so ingrained with the idea that food "fixes" everything.
When we were little and sick Mom made soup and we were told.."eat this it will make you feel better"
We get good grades and are rewarded with an ice cream.
We celebrate happy occasions with a special dinner.
We have luncheons after a funeral.
We have a bad break up, a bad day we eat a pint of Ben and Jerrys with a BIG spoon watching a Hallmark movie.
Sadly at EOL food does not "fix" everything and we need to realize that the patient is actually listening to their body that is telling them that food is not needed or wanted.
And End of Life is a longer process the body is slowing down and it will take longer to process food so a person may not need 3 large meals every day. It might be better with 4, 5 or more little portions throughout the day.
bottom line..do not bring food for the patient. as part of your job if you are tasked with making meals then you can ask that particular items be supplied. Ask the patient though what foods they want or like. (also please be aware of allergies)
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It really depends on what exactly is going on here. I thought it was sweet when my mom's caregiver would bring the occasional treat to share but I would have been less open to hearing about anyone pushing any diet fads or supplements, if the caregiver has helpful knowledge about special diets they can share that with whoever is in charge of buying and preparing meals.
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