Promoting good nutrition and hydration

Personal belief

Certain religions forbid some foods, and some recognise some days for fasting. It is important that you respect this.

Some individuals choose not to eat certain foods, so it is important that you know what this means. For instance, those who are vegans do not eat dairy foods as well as not eating meat.

Health conditions

It is important to know if there are any foods a person should not have because of health conditions.

For example: 

• People with raised blood cholesterol levels may be advised not to have too much saturated fat such as butter, fried items and pastry

• People with diabetes may be encouraged to avoid too much sugar found in sweets, chocolate, sugared breakfast cereals, cakes and puddings and encouraged to eat fewer of these or smaller portions

• Those who have high blood pressure may be advised to limit salt 

• Anyone who is obese should be encouraged to limit sugary and fatty foods

• Food allergies

Difficulties eating or drinking without help

Some individuals might experience difficulties in eating or drinking without help.

This may be due to:

• Forgetting to eat (perhaps due to dementia) 

• Side-effects of medication which may affect appetite or cause sickness e.g. some people on certain medications for depression should not have cheese  

• Poorly fitting false teeth e.g. can they eat normally or do they need soft food?

• Physical illness such as a stroke which may have affected the individual's muscles around their mouth for chewing or hand for lifting drinks

• Depression which may cause poor appetite 

• A visual impairment which may affect the way a person sees their food to eat it

• Having arthritis in the hands which means they may need help with cutting up food or opening packs like yogurts