With ageing comes changes and challenges we have to face, one being nutritional needs. Nutrition and hydration are crucial to maintain energy levels, support bodily functions, and enhance the quality of life. A balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients needed for the body’s daily functions and helps prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Dehydration is a common problem among older adults, and it can lead to various health issues such as, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and even delirium. As we age, our bodies’ ability to conserve water decreases, making older adults more susceptible to dehydration.
Reasons to Prioritise Nutrition and Hydration:
Amanda W, Community Registered Manager, listed the following reasons as to why looking after and prioritising nutrition and hydration is crucial for those who we care for in our community.
Many of our service users need assistance with their nutrition and hydration. This is a crucial aspect of our care services and is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) under Regulation 14. For many family members, ensuring proper nutrition, especially for frail and elderly individuals, can be a significant concern.
Premier Community supports the continual training for all our staff on the importance of nutrition and hydration. This training covers the significant effects of malnutrition and dehydration on individuals’ overall health and well-being.
The course teaches staff how to effectively address individuals’ fluid and nutritional needs, highlighting the importance of supporting them in eating and drinking while preserving their dignity.
Staff learn about the different food groups, their functions, and how to ensure individuals receive these essential nutrients.
As people age, it is common for their appetite to decline, and they may lose the ability to feel hungry. Our staff are trained in various techniques to support individuals with smaller appetites. This includes providing smaller meals, healthy snacks, and foods that are high in nutrients. By fortifying meals, we can pack more nutrients into smaller portions.
Dehydration can be dangerous and may lead to health problems such as fatigue, headaches, and kidney damage. Staff will monitor service users for signs of dehydration and assist them in maintaining their hydration needs.
Staff are trained to recognise the signs of dehydration and malnutrition and to act if they have concerns.
Each individual has unique needs, and our digital care plan ensures that every service user has a personalised care plan tailored to their specific requirements regarding nutrition and hydration.
Other Helpful Resources:
To read more on the importance of proper nutrition, please visit the linked guide to gain Addressing Malnutrition in the Elderly: A UK Challenge This article will help you gain an understanding of what malnutrition is, the signs, the impact as well as Premier Community’s Role in supporting nutrition.
