Those little drinks for invalids

A big failure with my father.
Apart from calling them wallpaper paste -
they gave him chronic diarrhoea.I found little ramekins of treats far more successful . I'd cut up cheese, pineapple ,chocolate ,nuts -anything on his tray and he'd pick and was happy .

How about Complan. It comes in various flavors.

Complan is good because it can be mixed into pretty much anything.

I also used those tiny ‘shots’ of juice from the chiller aisles - ginger and something was a favourite.

Wishing you all well.

My daughter aged about 12 was “sent” to the chemists by Grandma to buy Complain !

One of the signs that a body is shutting down is a loss of appetite, so I wouldn’t worry about nutrients, rather concentrate on small tastes that she will enjoy. Mind you, the notion for a particular taste can pass quickly, so might be an idea to keep supplies of possible things handy. My father kept tiny salmon sandwiches and cans of Ambrosia Creamed Rice for my mother.

ExDancer

Thank you for your recipes and suggestions.
However, does anyone actually know if there are any firms producing drinks that contain all the nutrients necessary for a balanced diet that really taste nice?
That was the question.

My mother’s care home used to give some residents Fortisip drinks, but from all I can gather they taste pretty grim, too.

I don’t know whether you can still get Complan* - it used to come in various flavours inc. the usual sickly strawberry, but an aunt of dh used to ask for it when she felt she ‘needed building up’ - not that she was exactly wasting away!

*IIRC you had to mix the powder with milk.

I know this will sound callous but believe me it is kind. Just let her go, don't try and persuade her to eat if she doesn't want to.

Pain relief is more important at a time like this and you being relaxed company for your friend.

Talk to her, even if she shows no sign of being able to hear you.

It is heartbreaking to lose a friend like this and after she has gone try and focus on how she was and the good times you had together. Remember to look after yourself, you are clearly a very good friend.

ExDancer

Thank you for your recipes and suggestions.
However, does anyone actually know if there are any firms producing drinks that contain all the nutrients necessary for a balanced diet that really taste nice?
That was the question.

Aymes Actagain Juce

I have been prescribed them (for malnutrition), and they in fact taste quite nice.

They are nutritionally balanced and she might be able to get them on prescription.

Another suggestion take a look at the high Protein range on offer at the moment in Lidl if you have one near , basically that's all the prescribed ones are. They may be more palatable.

My brother is very poorly in hospital. He has no appetite. I did consider getting some Complan and taking that in to him. It would mean taking separate milk and trying to mix it. I went to Tesco today and found a complete meal replacement in the chiller cabinet. It is called “THIS IS FOOD READY TO DRINK COMPLETE MEAL” you can get Strawberry and Chocolate flavours. Took it to my brother this afternoon and he drank the whole carton with a straw. Going back tomorrow to get some more. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

Indigo8

I’m not able to add anything very useful to this discussion but it’s been an interesting read. I’m going to discuss my end of life care with my children again. They have all experienced a close relative dying and not wanting to eat.

These last couple of weeks I’ve not been well and discovered I was having cravings for satsumas or similar, then salty food both in small quantities. I’ve totally gone off dark chocolate my go to treat.

Small pots of fancied food seems to be a partial answer in both sweet and savoury. It seems like trial and error.

ExDancer, I think you are doing a great job in supporting your friend. It shows how much you value her and the friendship. Wishing you and your friend a peaceful time. With love xx

Is there anything you know she really likes? I remember feeding a beloved aunt little bits of After Eight the day before she died!
But others are right, some people approaching the end don't feel like eating any more. But you could try different drinks.

I read about these in a magazine article a while back. I don't think they're available in the shops so you have to order online.

They are 95% water, sugar free, different flavours with added electrolytes and vitamins and are easy to eat.

www.jellydrops.com

when my mum was end of life she liked pureed fruit like bananas and jelly was good as it is tasty and moist.
as said Ensure is good
Wiltshire Farm foods do small pureed meals
blessings to you both

It used to upset me, in my mother’s care home, to see people (all with dementia) being badgered and pestered to eat when they clearly didn’t want to. All done with the best of intentions, I know, but to see them crying and whimpering and turning their heads away…

I vowed that I’d never allow it with my mother (already over 90) so thank goodness the situation never arose.