WHAT IS YOUR NUTRITION POLICY?

 

Our Dignity and nutrition for older people policy?

Nutrition and hydration are essential to health and well-being. When well managed they provide a vital contribution for people recovering from illness and for those at risk of malnutrition. We follow best practice and offer nutritional food that meets the needs of the Resident, and guidelines set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)

The CQC programme of themed inspections looked at dignity and nutrition issues for older people. One inspection looked at the experiences of older people in care homes and the other was a further programme of inspections in 50 NHS trusts, this time including both mental health and acute trusts. “Most of the places inspected were caring for people with dignity, treating them with respect, and supporting them to make sure their nutritional needs were met. Compared with our previous dignity and nutrition programme, more places were meeting people’s nutritional needs.

 

 

Please see the full reports:

* Promoting nutrition in care homes for older people

* Eating and nutritional care in practice

* Eating well for older people

 

Nutrition in care homes

Benefits of nutrients in meals for care home means:

•   Residents enjoy stronger emotional and physical well-being and have more energy

•   Fewer GP call-outs needed and less need for certain drugs

•   Residents have fewer colds and infections

•   Less refined sugar means fewer dental problems

 

Hydration in care homes

Elderly people generally drink very little water. It is mistakenly assumed that tea, coffee, soup, custard and sugary drinks have the same benefits as water.

Due to a study and report when residents drink more (pure) water, the results are:

•   Healthier skin and less risk of pressure sores – and fewer sores to report

•   Greater mental well-being for residents, sharper mental clarity.

•   Better sleep – residents are less tired during the day and are more able to help themselves

•   Better balance, fewer falls, greater mobility, stronger bones.

•   Better digestion and less need for laxatives

•   Better bladder health, better kidney function, greater toileting independence and fewer urinary tract infections (UTIs)

•   Clearer speech

•   Healthier blood, better muscle tone and less painful joints

•   Healthier lungs

•   Fewer colds and other infections