Patient sparked book idea

Valda Brechmanis, left, and Karen Anderson from Hospice Wanganui with copies of Nourishing Moments - a book to help people who are seriously ill eat better. PICTURE/BEVAN CONLEY

A patient who lost the will to live because he couldn't eat was the inspiration behind a new book about food, produced by Hospice Wanganui.

Nourishing Moments is a guide to help those who have difficulty eating because of serious illness, and their carers.

It was written mostly by the hospice's senior doctor, Marion Taylor, with the assistance of food critic and hospice volunteer, Melissa Pasanen, and volunteer co-ordinator Valda Brechmanis.

The foreword was written by the patron of Hospice New Zealand, Jo Seager.

Hospice Wanganui chief executive Karen Anderson said about four years ago a seriously ill patient came in to the hospice and was prepared to die.

"He was absolutely convinced he was going to die. Dr Taylor examined him and discovered he had thrush in his mouth, which made eating difficult for him."

Fortunately thrush is easy to treat, and the man was able to start eating again in a day. "He was so grateful for the treatment that he donated $10,000 on the spot to us, and that was where we got the idea for this book."

Although it does contain recipes, Nourishing Moments is more about giving advice and tips to people who are having trouble eating - whether through illness or through medication. It's aimed at both patients and carers, Ms Anderson said.

"For example, many people towards the end of their life are unable to eat properly but may crave one last taste of steak or sip of a favourite beer. There's nothing wrong with letting them chew a piece of steak or swish a mouthful of beer in their mouth, then spit it out."

There are tips for all kinds of situations - the best way to help feed a person who needs assistance to eat, simple meal ideas for when you have limited energy to shop and cook, and how to avoid dehydration if you have been vomiting.

Ms Anderson said the book was given to all the hospice's patients, as well as members of their carers' support programme. Requests had come in from other hospices around the country wanting it, and the Whanganui Regional Health Network has ordered several hundred copies.

"So far we've sold or given away around 800 copies," Ms Anderson said.

The book is free to patients and carers, but for everyone else, it's available for $10 - to cover printing costs - from Hospice Wanganui.