{{org_field_logo}}

{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

---

Meeting Nutritional and Hydration Needs Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all service users receive adequate nutrition and hydration tailored to their individual needs and preferences. Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for maintaining health, well-being, and overall quality of life. {{org_field_name}} is committed to ensuring that every service user receives the necessary support to meet their dietary needs, preferences, and any medical or cultural requirements.

This policy sets out how {{org_field_name}} meets these needs efficiently, safely, and in line with CIW regulations, ensuring compliance with:

• The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016​.
• The Regulated Services (Service Providers and Responsible Individuals) (Wales) Regulations 2017​, specifically Regulations 21 and 22, which mandate the provision of suitable nutrition and hydration.
• CIW Inspection Framework, which assesses quality of care, well-being, and personal outcomes​.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All care staff and support workers providing domiciliary care services.
• The Registered Manager and Responsible Individual, who oversee service quality and compliance.
• Service users and their families, ensuring they are involved in decision-making regarding their nutritional and hydration needs.

3. Legal and Regulatory Requirements

CIW regulations require that domiciliary care providers:

• Assess each service user’s nutritional and hydration needs on admission and throughout care.
• Support individuals to eat and drink safely, considering health conditions, personal choices, and dietary restrictions.
• Ensure access to balanced and adequate meals and fluids.
• Recognise and respond to signs of malnutrition, dehydration, or swallowing difficulties.
• Train staff on food safety, nutrition, and hydration best practices​.

4. Meeting Nutritional and Hydration Needs Efficiently

4.1 Individual Nutritional Assessments

Each service user undergoes a nutritional and hydration assessment as part of their care plan development. This includes:

• Identifying dietary preferences and restrictions (e.g., vegetarian, halal, gluten-free, low-sugar diets).
• Assessing any medical conditions affecting nutrition (e.g., diabetes, dysphagia, swallowing difficulties).
• Evaluating hydration needs, ensuring service users drink enough fluids daily.
• Using standard risk assessment tools such as the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) for early detection of malnutrition.

How we manage this efficiently:

• Staff complete nutritional risk assessments on an ongoing basis, reviewing them at least every six months or sooner if a change in health occurs.
• A registered dietitian or GP may be consulted when necessary.
• Changes in dietary needs are communicated immediately to the care team.

4.2 Meal Preparation and Support

Care staff provide assistance with:

• Preparing and serving meals in line with the individual’s dietary plan.
• Assisting with feeding where necessary, ensuring dignity and respect.
• Encouraging independence by allowing service users to be involved in meal choices.
• Monitoring food intake and reporting concerns about weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or reduced appetite.

How we manage this efficiently:

• Staff are trained in safe food handling and meal preparation, ensuring compliance with Food Standards Agency guidelines.
• Cultural and religious dietary needs are always respected, and alternative options provided when necessary.
• If a service user has dysphagia, our team works with speech and language therapists (SALT) to provide safe, modified food and drink textures.

4.3 Hydration Monitoring and Support

Ensuring adequate fluid intake is essential for preventing dehydration, urinary tract infections, and kidney problems.

• Care staff regularly encourage drinking fluids, especially for those at risk of dehydration.
• Where necessary, fluids are thickened for service users with swallowing difficulties.
• Hydration records are maintained for those identified as being at risk of dehydration.

How we manage this efficiently:

• Staff prompt and assist with drinking throughout the day.
• We monitor signs of dehydration, such as dry skin, confusion, or dizziness, and report concerns to a GP.
• Service users who struggle with fluid intake are offered high-water-content foods like soups, fruits, and yoghurts.

4.4 Recognising and Managing Nutritional Risks

• Staff are trained to recognise signs of malnutrition, dehydration, and weight loss.
• Concerns are reported to healthcare professionals promptly.
• Care plans are adjusted if a service user’s needs change.

How we manage this efficiently:

• Regular weigh-ins and assessments are conducted.
• We maintain clear communication with families and healthcare providers about any concerns.

4.5 Special Dietary Requirements and Medical Conditions

For service users with medical conditions, care staff ensure that:

• Diabetics receive low-sugar meals tailored to their needs.
• Individuals with allergies or intolerances avoid harmful ingredients.
• Service users with dementia receive nutritious meals in a way that supports their cognitive and sensory needs.

How we manage this efficiently:

• Care plans clearly document dietary needs, and staff follow them strictly.
• Staff are trained on the impact of nutrition on long-term health conditions.
• We liaise with dietitians, speech and language therapists (SALT), and GPs when required.

4.6 Staff Training and Responsibilities

• All care workers undergo training in nutrition, hydration, food safety, and dysphagia awareness.
• Staff must follow best practices for food preparation, meal assistance, and hydration encouragement.
• The Registered Manager ensures training is refreshed annually.

How we manage this efficiently:

• Training includes hands-on demonstrations, workshops, and e-learning modules.
• Staff are encouraged to record and report any concerns about a service user’s food and drink intake.

5. Related Policies

This policy aligns with:

• Person-Centred Care Policy (DCW07)​.
• Safe Care and Treatment Policy (DCW11)​.
• Health and Safety at Work Policy (DCW16)​.
• Risk Management and Assessment Policy (DCW18)​.
• Safeguarding Adults Policy (DCW13)​.

6. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to changes in legislation, business needs, or best practices. The Registered Manager and Responsible Individual are responsible for ensuring that this policy is up to date and effectively implemented.

---

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}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.