BackNutrition & Hydration Policy
Aim
The overall aim of the policy is to establish standards of work, which enhance the well-being of Cavendish Homecare Professionals and provide guidelines and safeguards for staff.
Policy
Cavendish Homecare Professionals will work to ensure a safe and reliable nutritional care service is offered to clients. In order to do this we will –
- seek specialist nutritional advice when significant medical conditions are present, including end of life care
- respect any cultural or religious requirements there may be with regard to the provision of a nutritional care service.
- ensure staff should have an awareness of the risk of malnutrition and the importance of providing good nutritional care for all clients
- carry out routine nutritional screening
- referred clients to their GP if there are concerns
- respect the dietary needs and preferences of clients
- consult clients regarding their food preferences
- cook and serve food attractively.
- ensure that staff have sufficient time and skills to prepare a meal of choice for clients
- seek specialist assessments where a person has cognitive and communication difficulties
- keep eating environments clean and well maintained
- ensure that clients have access to food and fluids at all times
Principles of Good Practice
Dignity and care – respect for people receiving care, ensuring that meals are nutritious, appetising and appropriate
Choice – ensuring people’s preferences are taken into account when providing food and fluids
Screening – nutritional screening and improving intake where necessary, should be a key part of assessment and care planning
Prioritising mealtimes – ensuring that mealtimes are respected and not interrupted by other routine activities and that sufficient assistance is offered and that the environment is conducive to eating
Training – staff should receive training to ensure that they have a nutritional knowledge base appropriate to their role; the training should also equip those working with people with communication and cognitive difficulties with the skills to communicate appropriately
Accountability – ensuring everyone takes responsibility for good nutritional care for clients
Date: January 2024
Version: 8 (Review)
Source: NHS