As our loved ones age, ensuring they receive proper nutrition and hydration becomes increasingly important. Many elderly individuals struggle with reduced appetite, difficulty swallowing, or health conditions that impact their eating and drinking habits. Here are some effective ways to encourage better nutrition and hydration, both at home and within a care home setting.

Encouraging proper nutrition at home

1. Offer small, frequent meals – Instead of three large meals, consider providing smaller portions throughout the day to make eating less overwhelming.
2. Make meals more enjoyable – Eating in a social setting can encourage older people to eat more. Try to share meals with them or arrange for them to eat with friends or family members.
3. Enhance the flavour of food – As taste buds change with age, food may seem bland. Use herbs and spices to enhance flavours without adding excess salt.
4. Provide nutrient-dense foods – Encourage foods rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals such as eggs, yogurt, lean meats, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
5. Adapt meals for easy eating – Some people may struggle with chewing or swallowing. Providing soft foods or modifying textures can make eating more comfortable.
6. Address dental and medical issues – Poor dental health or ill-fitting dentures can make eating painful. Ensure regular dental checkups to resolve such issues.
7. Encourage hydration – Offer water, herbal teas, or diluted juices throughout the day. Using a straw or offering drinks in small sips can help those who struggle with swallowing.
8. Use appetite stimulants – If loss of appetite is a concern, consult a healthcare provider about appetite-enhancing strategies, including medical interventions if necessary.

How care homes can support proper nutrition and hydration
1. Personalised meal plans – Care homes should tailor meals to individual dietary needs, preferences, and medical conditions to encourage better food intake.
2. Encouraging a social dining atmosphere – Creating a pleasant and engaging mealtime environment can encourage residents to eat more and enjoy their meals.
3. Hydration stations – Care homes should have accessible hydration stations with water, flavoured drinks, or herbal teas readily available throughout the day.
4. Monitoring intake – Staff should keep track of food and fluid intake, identifying any patterns of underconsumption and addressing them proactively.
5. Assistance with eating and drinking – Some elderly individuals require assistance with feeding. Care home team members can provide help in a dignified and respectful manner.
6. Encouraging nutritional supplements – When necessary, high-calorie drinks or vitamin-rich supplements can be provided to meet nutritional needs.
7. Cultural and dietary preferences – Ensuring meals align with cultural, religious, or personal dietary preferences can make food more appealing to residents.
8. Regular health assessments – Care homes should regularly assess residents’ nutritional status and make adjustments to their diet plans accordingly.

You can read a little bit more about how we support with this in our care homes here. – Athena Care Homes chef development training focuses on Dysphagia-friendly foods – Athena

Conclusion
Proper nutrition and hydration are vital for the health and wellbeing of elderly individuals. By implementing thoughtful strategies at home and in care homes, we can help ensure our loved ones receive the nourishment they need to maintain a good quality of life. Encouraging social interaction, monitoring intake, and providing appealing meal options are key steps in supporting healthy aging.

To find out more about Nutrition and Hydration Week  N&H Week | Nutrition and Hydration Week

Welcome to Nutrition and Hydration Week – Athena