As we get older our appetites evolve. Food can taste different, we often can’t eat as much or as late in the evening as we once used to.
Now, think of those who go through a major life change by moving into a care home. This will usually be because their health has taken a downturn and they are no longer able to live independently. In these circumstances, one can understand why some might lose their appetite.
The initial period of settling a resident into a care home is crucial for enhancing health and well-being. Food and nutrition play a key role.
Staff at Chiswick Nursing Centre are well trained in how to motivate residents to eat well and enjoy their meals.
The Chiswick’s approach to food and nutrition is built on the understanding that people should be enticed to eat, but they must not be coerced. Offering tasty and appealing choices, adjusting portion sizes, tailoring meals to individual tastes play a significant role in helping residents enjoy their food. Information on preferences, needs and eating ability is all detailed on residents’ personal care plans.
Little and often is the general approach. Food is as much a social event here as it is a health necessity. A good breakfast with a choice of hot and cold food, including fruit and cereals sets everyone up for the day. Lunch is the main meal but tea, coffee, snacks and lighter foods are served throughout the day. Fruit and drinks are always available to ensure that good hydration is maintained.
Our advice to anyone living on their own is to try and follow a similar plan. In this cold spell of weather it is especially important to have regular hot drinks, a nourishing bowl of soup, perhaps, and at least, one hot nutritious meal.