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Eating & Drinking

Good nutrition is vital to healthy living.

Following a healthy diet is key to staying healthy for longer. Healthy eating and drinking well can help prevent long term health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

Poor physical health, depression and loneliness can lead to poor eating habits. Around 1 in 4 people over the age of 65 years are at risk of malnutrition as a result of either poor nutrition or obesity due to unhealthy diet.

What are the signs of malnutrition and dehydration?

The most common symptom of malnutrition is unplanned weight loss or significant weight loss. Other symptoms may include:

  • Reduced appetite, lack of interest in food and drinks
  • Feeling tired all the time, feeling weaker
  • Getting ill often and taking a long time to recover
  • Poor concentration
  • Feeling cold most of the time
  • Low mood or depression

An obvious sign of dehydration is thirst. Other signs may include:

  • Dry lips, mouth and skin
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light headedness or headaches
  • Dark coloured and strong-smelling urine

Our care workers are trained to understand the importance of good nutrition and hydration in maintaining well-being and we can also device a nutrition chart to help our clients stay healthy.

If you would like us to support you with your nutritional needs, we will write about the foods that you like and those that you dislike in your personal care and support plan.

Your care worker can then encourage you to eat well by preparing foods that you enjoy.

You can be assured that when preparing food our carers are aware of the importance of food safety and hygiene.

We strongly recommend discussing any concerns about nutrition and hydration with your GP.

Further Information