CH12-Meeting Nutritional and Hydration Needs Policy
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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}
Meeting Nutritional and Hydration Needs Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} provides every person we support with adequate, nutritious, and enjoyable meals, along with sufficient hydration, to sustain their health, well-being, and quality of life. Proper nutrition and hydration are essential in maintaining physical health, cognitive function, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.
This policy outlines how {{org_field_name}} assesses, monitors, and supports individuals in meeting their dietary and hydration needs. It details how we ensure personalised meal planning, monitor for risks of malnutrition and dehydration, and support individuals who require assistance with eating and drinking. It also highlights how we meet regulatory requirements, particularly CQC Regulation 14, which sets out the legal obligations for care providers regarding nutrition and hydration.
In implementing this policy, {{org_field_name}} ensures that all people we support receive food and drink that is safe, culturally appropriate, nutritious, and suited to their individual needs and preferences. This aligns with our commitment to providing high-quality, person-centred care.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all individuals involved in meal provision, preparation, and service, including kitchen staff, care staff, registered nurses, and allied health professionals. It also applies to external catering providers if meals are outsourced.
In addition, this policy applies to all people we support, including those who:
- Are independent in eating and drinking but require a structured meal plan to meet their dietary needs.
- Require assistance, encouragement, or adaptive equipment to eat and drink safely.
- Have complex dietary requirements due to medical conditions such as diabetes, dysphagia, or food allergies.
- Are at risk of malnutrition or dehydration, requiring monitoring and intervention.
Every staff member must understand and adhere to this policy to ensure that individuals receive appropriate, high-quality, and safe nutritional care.
3. Legal and Regulatory Framework
This policy is aligned with the latest legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance with:
- Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 – Regulation 14 (Meeting Nutritional and Hydration Needs), which requires care providers to ensure that people have enough to eat and drink to sustain life, maintain good health, and reduce the risks of malnutrition and dehydration.
- Care Act 2014, which sets out a duty to promote well-being and includes ensuring access to adequate nutrition and hydration.
- Mental Capacity Act 2005, which ensures that decisions about food and drink are made in the best interests of individuals who lack capacity to make these decisions for themselves.
- Equality Act 2010, which requires that all dietary needs, including those arising from religious, cultural, and ethical beliefs, are accommodated without discrimination.
By complying with these regulations, {{org_field_name}} guarantees that every person we support receives safe, nutritious, and appropriate meals and fluids, enhancing their overall well-being.
4. Meeting Nutritional and Hydration Needs
4.1 Assessing Nutritional and Hydration Needs
Every person we support undergoes a comprehensive nutritional assessment upon admission. This assessment is conducted by trained healthcare professionals and is reviewed regularly to reflect any changes in the individual’s health, preferences, or dietary needs.
The assessment includes an evaluation of the person’s body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), muscle mass, hydration levels, and general dietary intake. Where necessary, additional screening tools such as the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) are used to identify individuals at risk of malnutrition or dehydration.
For individuals identified as being at risk, a personalised nutrition and hydration plan is developed. This plan details specific dietary interventions, fluid intake goals, and any required supplements or modifications, such as soft or pureed diets for those with swallowing difficulties.
Staff members are trained to recognise the signs of malnutrition and dehydration, which may include unexplained weight loss, dry skin, confusion, weakness, and reduced urine output. When such signs are identified, immediate action is taken to adjust the individual’s diet and hydration plan accordingly.
4.2 Person-Centred Meal Planning
At {{org_field_name}}, we believe that food should be both nutritious and enjoyable. Meals are planned in consultation with residents, dietitians, and chefs to ensure that they meet nutritional requirements while also reflecting personal preferences, cultural traditions, and dietary restrictions.
We offer a varied, rotating menu that provides a range of options, ensuring that meals are balanced, appealing, and suited to individual needs. When a person we support has specific dietary needs, such as low-sodium, diabetic, or high-protein diets, these requirements are carefully incorporated into their meal plan.
To ensure high standards, meals are freshly prepared using quality ingredients. Our kitchen team works closely with care staff to ensure that individuals receive meals tailored to their dietary requirements, with modifications made as needed for texture, portion size, and fortification with additional nutrients.
4.3 Ensuring Adequate Hydration
Proper hydration is essential to maintaining good health, cognitive function, and the prevention of complications such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), constipation, and confusion.
At {{org_field_name}}, hydration is prioritised through structured fluid intake monitoring. Individuals are encouraged to drink fluids regularly throughout the day, with staff prompting and assisting those who may forget or struggle to drink independently. A variety of fluids, including water, juices, herbal teas, and nutrient-rich drinks, are offered.
For individuals with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), we provide thickened fluids, following clinical guidance from speech and language therapists (SALT).
Fluid intake is documented and reviewed daily, with any concerns escalated to healthcare professionals for appropriate interventions.
4.4 Supporting Individuals with Eating and Drinking
Many individuals in our care require assistance with eating and drinking. Staff are trained in safe feeding techniques, the use of adapted cutlery and equipment, and mealtime encouragement strategies.
Individuals who require assistance are supported with dignity and respect. Mealtime assistance is provided at an appropriate pace, ensuring that the person feels comfortable and in control. For those with reduced appetite or difficulties chewing and swallowing, alternatives such as fortified meals, finger foods, and dietary supplements are provided to maintain adequate intake.
Staff are also trained to support individuals who have cognitive impairments, such as dementia, ensuring that they are encouraged to eat and drink in a calm, familiar, and supportive environment.
4.5 Encouraging a Positive Mealtime Experience
At {{org_field_name}}, mealtimes are seen as an important social and cultural activity. To enhance the dining experience, meals are served in a pleasant, comfortable, and well-lit environment, with opportunities for communal dining where preferred.
Individuals who choose to eat alone are also fully supported, with meals delivered in a way that maintains dignity and personal choice.
To encourage engagement, menu choices are clearly explained, and individuals are given the opportunity to express their preferences and feedback.
5. Monitoring and Compliance
To ensure continuous compliance with CQC Regulation 14, we:
- Conduct regular audits of food and hydration provision.
- Monitor weekly weight changes and hydration levels for at-risk individuals.
- Maintain detailed care records documenting food and fluid intake.
- Provide ongoing staff training in nutritional care, food safety, and mealtime assistance.
All records are made available for CQC inspections, demonstrating our commitment to high-quality, person-centred nutrition and hydration support.
6. Policy Review
This policy is reviewed annually, or earlier if required due to regulatory updates, best practice developments, or organisational needs.
Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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