Care home meal provider apetito has launched a new guide aimed at helping care homes place nutrition at the centre of care planning and reduce the risk of malnutrition among residents.
The free Food First: Putting Nutrition at the Heart of Care guide combines evidence-based dietary advice with practical recommendations for care teams. It encourages providers to adopt a food-first approach, focusing on food, drink and dining experiences before residents are identified as being at risk of malnutrition.
The guide highlights measures including involving residents in menu choices, offering flexible dining times, monitoring food intake and providing appropriate options for people with specialist dietary requirements.
apetito senior dietitian Rachel Sipaul said the resource was designed to help colleagues across care homes recognise and respond to early signs of malnutrition.
“This guide provides practical advice to help all colleagues recognise and respond to the risk of malnutrition, ensuring residents receive the support they need to eat and drink well,” she said.
“By highlighting the important link between food, mealtimes and wellbeing, this guide promotes a whole-home approach in which everyone works together to place nutrition at the heart of care.”
apetito general manager for care homes James Leigh said the guide emphasised the role of food beyond meeting basic care needs.
“At apetito, we believe great food makes a real difference,” he said. “This guide emphasises the importance of food beyond meeting basic care needs, recognising the role it plays in the enjoyment, quality and health outcomes of residents’ everyday lives.”
The guide is available to download free of charge from apetito here.
