Nutrition & Hydration

Good nutrition and hydration are an important part of staying healthy and independent.

However, eating and drinking enough can sometimes become more difficult as we get older or when living with illness, disability or conditions such as dementia.

A reduced appetite, difficulty preparing food, problems swallowing, forgetting to eat or drink, reduced mobility and changes in taste can all have an impact.

Having the right support can make a real difference.

Look out for changes

It can be helpful for families and carers to notice changes in someone’s normal habits.

Things to be aware of may include:

• regularly leaving meals uneaten
• an unexplained loss of weight
• having very little food in the house
• difficulty preparing meals
• struggling to use cutlery
• forgetting whether they have eaten
• drinking noticeably less than usual
• difficulty chewing or swallowing
• coughing or choking when eating or drinking
• becoming increasingly tired, confused or unwell.

A change does not necessarily mean there is a serious problem, but concerns should not be ignored.

Helping someone to stay hydrated

Some people simply don’t feel thirsty as often as they once did, while others may forget to drink or find it difficult to prepare or reach drinks independently.

Making drinks easily available and offering them regularly can help.

Hydration doesn’t have to come from glasses of water alone. Other drinks and foods with a high water content can also contribute to fluid intake.

Depending on dietary and medical requirements, this might include foods such as:

• soups and broths
• yoghurt
• custard
• jelly
• fruit with a high water content
• ice lollies
• other soft or moisture-rich foods.

If someone has been advised by a healthcare professional to restrict their fluid intake, for example because of a particular medical condition, that professional advice should always be followed.

Supporting someone living with dementia

Dementia can sometimes make eating and drinking more difficult.

A person may forget that they haven’t had a drink, find it difficult to recognise thirst, lose interest in food or drinks, or have difficulty recognising items in front of them.

Simple prompts, making drinks visible and accessible and offering food and drinks regularly can all be useful.

Specialist products such as Jelly Drops are also available. These are designed as an alternative way of increasing water intake and can be particularly appealing to some people living with dementia or others who find drinking difficult.

They should be considered an additional option rather than an automatic replacement for normal drinks or professional medical advice.

Difficulty swallowing – when to seek help

Difficulty swallowing is known as dysphagia.

Signs can include coughing or choking when eating or drinking, food appearing to become stuck, a wet or gurgly voice after swallowing, or recurrent problems associated with eating and drinking.

Swallowing difficulties should be taken seriously because they can affect someone’s ability to eat and drink safely.

A GP or other healthcare professional can assess the situation and, where appropriate, make a referral to a Speech and Language Therapist (SALT).

Speech and Language Therapists don’t only help with speech. They also assess and manage swallowing difficulties.

Where an individual has been given a specific eating, drinking or swallowing plan by a healthcare professional, our carers will work in accordance with the agreed care plan and relevant professional guidance.

Concerned about weight loss or poor appetite?

If you are concerned that you or someone you care for is losing weight, eating significantly less or not getting appropriate nutrition, speak to your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.

They can consider whether there is an underlying reason and whether further assessment or nutritional support is appropriate.

Nutritional supplements should not simply be introduced because someone is eating less. Products such as nutritional supplement drinks may be recommended or prescribed in some circumstances, but advice should be sought from an appropriate healthcare professional.

How our carers can help

For some people, the problem isn’t a lack of appetite – it’s the practical difficulty of preparing something to eat or drink.

Depending on the person’s assessed needs and agreed care plan, MasterStaff Healthcare carers may be able to assist with:

• preparing meals and snacks
• preparing drinks
• prompting and encouraging eating and drinking
• ensuring drinks are accessible
• helping with shopping
• providing appropriate assistance at mealtimes
• following professionally prescribed dietary or swallowing guidance
• monitoring and recording relevant concerns
• reporting changes to the appropriate person in accordance with the care plan.

Just as importantly, a care visit can turn a meal into a more positive part of someone’s day, particularly for someone who lives alone.