Eating & drinking well

Support with eating and drinking

Good nutrition is vital to healthy living.

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

We all recognise the familiar feeling of being light headed or lacking in energy because we missed a meal or had not drunk enough fluids. These symptoms can have serious consequences if we allow them to continue. This is especially true for older people or people with long term health conditions.

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 under nutrition or obesity.

What are the signs of malnutrition and dehydration?

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

• Fatigue and lack of energy and or strength
• Apathy or feeling low or irritable
• A swollen abdomen
• Hair loss
• More infections than usual

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

How Bluebird Care can support you with home care services

Before our service begins, we will visit you in your home to find out about your home care and support needs and preferences. This is a good time to discuss whether you would like support with your eating and drinking. This could be anything from every day encouragement, to preparing tasty nutritious meals or working with your health care professionals to support your special diet. Often the simple act of preparing a meal with someone can make mealtimes more worthwhile.

Our home care workers are trained to understand the importance of good nutrition and hydration in maintaining well-being.  You can be assured that when preparing food they are aware of the importance of food safety and hygiene.

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

Talk to your GP

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