This session will explore the complex issues surrounding nutrition and hydration in end-of-life care. After reviewing the signs and symptoms of approaching end-of-life, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of decreased appetite and weight loss on patients and families as well as the stages of cachexia syndrome. Practical interventions to support patients and families in managing intake challenges will also be discussed and applied to a case study.
Marlene Benvenuto is an RN, with a nursing specialty certification in hospice palliative care. Marlene has many years of experience in Thunder Bay: She has worked in long term care, in hospice care at St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Hospice Unit, and with the North West Regional Palliative Care Program, St. Joseph’s Care Group. Marlene is currently a Palliative Care Educator with Ontario Health atHome and a Palliative Care Education Facilitator for CERAH.
Lakehead University respectfully acknowledges its campuses are located on the traditional lands of Indigenous people. Lakehead Thunder Bay is located on the traditional lands of the Fort William First Nation, Signatory to the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850. Lakehead University acknowledges the history that many nations hold in the areas around our campuses, and is committed to a relationship with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit based on the principles of mutual trust, respect, reciprocity, and collaboration in the spirit of reconciliation. As a Centre we are committed to working towards reconciliation and decolonizing our work and have committed as a staff to educating ourselves in these areas both personally and professionally.