Food procurement specialist allmanhall’s Tess Warnes, registered dietitian, and Jo Hall, director, explore the importance of nutrition and hydration in older people, and consider the issue of catering for a dignified and person-centric dining experience
According to the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN), 35 per cent of care home residents and 30 per cent of those in hospital in the UK are affected by malnutrition. This has a ripple effect on individuals' health and wellbeing in many ways, including:
Additionally, the risks of both malnutrition and dehydration increase with age. As we get older, our thirst reflex naturally declines, which means that thirst is no longer a reliable dehydration indicator. Added to this — for those who suffer with a cognitive impairment such as dementia or stroke — memory issues may play a part in either remembering to eat and drink… or how to. Reduced mobility and dexterity may make it harder for some older people, too.
There are misconceptions and misunderstandings around the true meaning and impact of a lack of capacity, which can also challenge nutrition and hydration. The stigma of and approach to 'feeding' for example. It is essential to take a person-centric approach to food and drink in a care environment.
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