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Meals and Mealtimes in Care Homes (England) Policy

Policy Statement

This policy sets out the values, principles and policies underpinning {{org_field_name}}’s approach to meals and mealtimes.

The home strongly supports the provision of a healthy, nutritious and balanced diet for all people who use services. The approach to nutrition taken is based upon choice and quality and mealtimes planned as enjoyable social occasions. People who wish to eat their meals in their own rooms are enabled to do so.

The home’s policy is in line with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, particularly Regulation 14: Meeting Nutritional and Hydration Needs, which requires for care providers to ensure that an individual’s nutrition and hydration needs are always addressed and met.

Other relevant legislation and guidance that the home follows include the:

• Food Safety Act 1990
• Food Information Regulations 2014
• Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013.

CQC Fundamental Standards Compliance

{{org_field_name}} understands that it must comply with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 in order to maintain its registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

With regard to food and drink, the home understands that Regulation 14: Meeting Nutritional and Hydration Needs will include a requirement for care providers to ensure that the nutritional and hydrational needs of people are met.

The organisation understands that providing suitable nutrition for people using its service is considered a key element of the regulations and forms part of the Fundamental Standards below which care must not be allowed to fall. It will also form part of the focus for inspection and contribute to the grading of the organisation by the CQC.

Menus and Diets

1. Every person has the right to a varied and nutritious diet that provides for all of their dietary needs and offers health, choice and pleasure. To accomplish this each resident will be asked for their individual food preferences as well as their cultural, religious or health needs and these will be taken into account when planning menus.
2. Menus will offer a choice of foods and residents will be asked which choice they would prefer at every meal.
3. Menus will be reviewed on a weekly basis and feedback from residents, carers and families will be encouraged.
4. Menus will be changed regularly to stimulate appetite and variety.
5. Sample menus will also be referred to an external dietician on a monthly basis to ensure that dietary value is being maintained.
6. Dietician Contact Details: ____________________
7. Special therapeutic diets will be provided when advised by health care or dietetic staff.

Mealtimes

1. Mealtimes will be unhurried and relaxed with people given plenty of time to eat and enjoy their food. The home considers that mealtimes represent an important social occasion for individuals and will endeavor to ensure that they are as enjoyable as possible. Food will be presented in a manner that is attractive and appealing and all food will be cooked, prepared and served to the high standards required by the Food Safety Act 1990 and the Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013.
2. Staff serving meals should report to the person in charge if a person does not eat their meal so that an alternative may be offered or a meal replacement offered if appropriate.
3. Those who prefer to eat their meal in their room will be able to do so.
4. Drinks will be available throughout mealtimes and will be available upon request at any other time. Refreshments in the form of hot and cold drinks will also be offered at intervals between meals.

Assistance for People Who Use Services with Eating Difficulties

1. {{org_field_name}} will try to encourage and help all people who use services to be as independent in feeding themselves for as long as they possibly can and will work to ensure their dignity while they are doing so.
2. Eating difficulties will be identified within each individual plan of care and a plan of assistance agreed both with the person and with their carers.
3. The home will make whatever reasonable arrangements are necessary for a person who uses services to be able to feed themselves with dignity and ease, including the provision of special eating aids and special food preparation.
4. All help with eating or drinking will be offered in a sensitive and discreet manner with respect for the persons dignity and independence.
5. Carers, family and friends will be encouraged to visit and offer support at mealtimes.
6. Pureed or soft foods will be available for people with swallowing difficulties as advised by a speech and language therapist. Every effort will be made to make such foods varied, appetising and attractive.
7. More private eating arrangements will be offered if required by the person who uses service, either in a separate part of the dining area or in their room.

People Who Use Services Who Refuse Food

1. Where a person refuses to eat their refusal must be noted in their care plan and the consequences of not eating must be explained to them. Their condition will be closely monitored.
2. The GP should be informed and every effort made to try to investigate the problem and help the individual to eat and drink.
3. A range of small snacks served during the day may be more acceptable to the person than a larger meal and may act as appetisers.
4. Where people only consume a small amount of food then foods should be served which have high nutrient value.
5. Where necessary, fortified food will be used or the person who uses services prescribed high-nutrient drinks by the GP.

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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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