Saloni Sawnani

In the bustling city of Mumbai, there exists a sanctuary of hope and healing for children and young adults grappling with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions. This haven, known as the Happy Feet Home Foundation, is more than just a palliative care centre.

It’s a place where the holistic well-being of every child is prioritized, and the significance of nutrition in palliative care is deeply understood and meticulously addressed.

The Importance of Nutrition in Palliative Care

Nutrition is a fundamental pillar of health, particularly for children battling serious illnesses like cancer, HIV, and Thalassemia.

A well-balanced diet can fortify their immune system, enhance their strength and energy, and help them better cope with the side effects of treatments. However, nutrition in palliative care goes beyond merely providing healthy meals.

It involves understanding each child’s unique nutritional needs and preferences, and creating a diet plan that not only benefits their health but also brings them joy.

Our Centre Care Programme: A Personalized Approach to Nutrition

At Happy Feet Home, we place a strong emphasis on the nutritional well-being of the children under our care. As part of our Centre Care Programme, we ensure that all children attending our daycare receive nutritional support tailored to their specific needs.

This is not a one-size-fits-all approach but a personalized one that considers the child’s medical condition, treatment plan, and personal preferences.

Extending Nutritional Support Beyond Our Centre

Our commitment to nutritional well-being extends beyond our daycare centre. Through our Hospital Care Programme, we ensure that children who have to stay at the hospital receive the necessary nutritional support.

We design and execute various care initiatives at the hospital, including providing meals that cater to the children’s dietary needs and preferences.

Community Outreach: Empowering Families with Nutritional Knowledge

In addition to providing nutritional support at our centre and the hospital, we also conduct community outreach. We make fortnightly community and home visits to the families of the children under our care.

During these visits, we provide need-based psycho-social support, including guidance on nutrition. This ensures that the families are equipped with the knowledge and resources to continue providing the necessary nutritional support to their children at home.

Conclusion: Our Commitment to Holistic Well-being

At Happy Feet Home, we understand that palliative care is not just about managing pain and other distressing symptoms. It’s about enhancing the quality of life for the children under our care, and nutrition plays a crucial role.

Our approach to nutrition in palliative care underscores our commitment to the holistic well-being of children and young adults with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions. Our work serves as a beacon of hope for many families navigating the challenging journey of serious illness, reminding us all that in the face of adversity, every child has the right to happiness, empowerment, and, most importantly, a chance at leading a healthy life.