Eating and Drinking - Wellbeing for Life

For most people eating and drinking is as much a pleasurable experience as it is a necessity for sustaining life.

There is a lot of information available to help everyone to make healthy choices about a balanced diet – please see the resources section of this module.

Staff should be aware that as a person gets older their tastes can change, as can their ability to eat certain foods and to maintain a balanced diet.

A person can also develop problems with their weight (either putting on weight or losing weight) or difficulties ensuring an adequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals. Side-effects from increasing numbers of medications that can affect their appetite.

Developing dementia, and other health conditions like diabetes, can also impact upon a person’s eating and drinking.


Contents of this mini book:

  • Diet and ageing
  • The Eatwell Guide
  • Using the Eatwell Guide
  • Fruits and Vegetables - 5 a day / 10 a day
  • Fuelling the body
  • The protein on the plate
  • Foods and drinks to avoid
  • Keeping hydrated
  • How staff can support a healthy diet
  • Weight management
  • Absorbing and retaining nutrients
  • Age related dietary changes
  • Eating, drinking and Dementia
  • Medication and diet
  • A holistic viewpoint
  • References and resources


Are we making a difference?

We would love to hear if and how our resources are helping you support people with learning disabilities and with dementia or various other health needs.

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