Supporting Elderly Nutrition and Hydration
From March 17th to 23rd, Oxford House proudly celebrates Nutrition and Hydration Week. Held annually since 2012, this global initiative highlights the vital role of proper nutrition and hydration in maintaining overall health and well-being.
Good nutrition and hydration are essential not only for physical health but also for mental well-being. In the UK, around three million people are at risk of malnutrition, with even more affected worldwide. Malnutrition and dehydration can lead to serious health issues, including unplanned weight loss, confusion, constipation, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). This is especially critical for older adults, as the sensation of thirst diminishes with age. Common signs of dehydration include tiredness, low blood pressure, dizziness, dry mouth, dark urine, and dry skin, making proactive hydration management essential.
At Oxford House Nursing Home, ensuring our residents stay well-nourished and hydrated is a daily priority, a commitment shared by Oxford House Community Care through their dedicated carers. We achieve this by providing nutrient-rich meals designed to support overall health. Anna Wright, Head Chef at Oxford House Nursing Home, emphasises the importance of catering to a diverse range of dietary needs and cultural preferences. “Everyone matters, and our teams go above and beyond to provide meals that meet residents’ tastes and nutritional requirements,” she explains.
Nutrition for Bone Health and Overall Well-being
Our kitchen team prepares multiple meals daily, including breakfast, morning and afternoon tea with biscuits, lunch, supper, and snacks. Traditional English dishes like cottage pie and shepherd’s pie are available, alongside a variety of international cuisine such as curries for those who enjoy spicier flavours. In fact, did you know that a full English breakfast is packed with protein, vitamins, and nutrients that help keep you full longer and even support brain health?
In addition to drinking fluids, hydrating foods play a crucial role in maintaining proper hydration levels. Foods with high water content include:
- Fruits: Watermelon, pineapple, blueberries, tomatoes.
- Vegetables: Cucumber, lettuce.
- Other hydrating foods: Soups, gravy, custards, yogurts, ice cream, and jelly.
The theme for this year’s Nutrition and Hydration Week is bone health. To support strong bones, our chefs ensure residents receive key nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. Essential bone-strengthening foods include dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt, and porridge made with milk instead of water for calcium and vitamin D; protein-rich foods such as eggs, beans, and lentils to support bone density; seeds like chia and sesame for extra calcium and omega-3; and fatty fish like salmon and sardines, which provide vitamin D and omega-3 to help prevent bone loss.
Hydration: More Than Just Water
Anna explains that residents often prefer drinks other than water, so carers provide a variety of beverages, including tea, milk, juices, and fizzy drinks. “We ensure residents drink at least two litters of fluids daily, whether it’s coffee, tea, or milk. Carers and nurses also tailor hydration to individual needs,” she adds.
Registered nurses Assumpta Chukwujohnson and Asif Anwar stress the importance of hourly or bi-hourly hydration encouragement, with detailed hydration charts used to monitor intake. “Residents always have fresh water jugs in their rooms, and if hydration levels drop, nurses consult GPs for the best course of action,” says Asif.
However, hydration management comes with challenges, especially for individuals with choking risks or swallowing difficulties. To address this, specialists may recommend a pureed diet or thickened liquids to make swallowing easier. For dementia patients, communication barriers can make hydration and nutrition challenging. Assumpta advises using visual choices, allowing patients to select drinks or meals through nods or smiles, ensuring their needs are met with dignity and care.
At Oxford House, we remain committed to enhancing elderly nutrition and hydration, ensuring that every resident receives the care, attention, and nourishment they need to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.