In this month's Care Conversations series we're exploring nutrition and hydration.
Why this matters
Eating well and drinking enough helps you maintain strength, energy and independence. Food is also about enjoyment, culture and spending time with others.
Changes in appetite, health or daily routines can make it harder to get the nourishment you need. If eating or drinking has become difficult, talking about it early can help you find support that works for you.
Understanding nutrition and hydration
Good nutrition means getting enough energy, protein and other nutrients from food and drinks. Hydration means having enough fluid for your body to work well. Your needs can change with illness, medication or other health conditions.
A smaller appetite does not necessarily mean your body needs fewer nutrients. Unplanned weight loss or eating and drinking less should not simply be accepted as part of ageing.
What to look out for
Less interest in food, skipping meals or regularly leaving meals unfinished
Losing weight without trying, looser clothing or unexpected weight gain
Feeling weaker, unusually tired, dizzy or having a dry mouth
Drinking less, passing less urine or noticing darker urine than usual
Pain when eating, poorly fitting dentures, or coughing or difficulty swallowing
Difficulty shopping, cooking, opening packaging or getting drinks
Actionable steps you can take today
Eat regularly and include a variety of foods. Try smaller meals and nourishing snacks if larger meals feel overwhelming.
Include protein foods such as eggs, fish, meat, beans, tofu, milk or yoghurt, suited to your dietary needs.
Keep drinks within reach and sip regularly throughout the day. You may not always feel thirsty when you need fluid.
Follow any prescribed fluid limit, special diet or swallowing advice. Ask your health professional if you are unsure what is right for you.
Choose foods you enjoy and share a meal with someone when you can. Ask for help if shopping or preparing food is becoming difficult.
Start the conversation
Talk to your GP or care team if you notice changes in your appetite, weight, eating or drinking. You may wish to discuss:
What has changed, when it started and how it affects your day
Any pain, swallowing difficulty, illness or medication changes
Your food preferences, cultural needs and any difficulty accessing meals
Whether advice from a dietitian or other health professional would help
💡 If you receive delivered meals through Five Good Friends, we would like to hear how they are working for you. Are you enjoying the taste and variety? Are the portions suitable, and do the meals meet your dietary and cultural needs?
Contact your care team at any time to share what is working well, raise concerns or suggest changes. Please also let us know if meals are difficult to open, heat or eat. You do not need to wait until your next review.
Where to get help
There are several supports available. For example, your GP can investigate changes in your health. A dietitian can help with appetite, weight changes and getting enough nourishment. A speech pathologist can assess swallowing difficulties, and a dentist can help with mouth or denture problems.
Seek urgent medical advice for sudden confusion, very little urine, or being unable to drink or keep fluids down.
How Five Good Friends can support you
Please contact your Care Team if you need support with nutrition or hydration. We can discuss your concerns, review your needs and approved services, and help identify the right health professional and referral pathway.
A nutrition review may include questions about your appetite, what you eat and drink, and recent weight changes. This helps identify whether further advice or support is needed.
If holding cutlery, managing food on your plate or lifting a cup is becoming difficult, an occupational therapist can assess whether equipment such as adapted cutlery, plate guards or easy-grip cups could help.
Your care team can explain the available options, funding and any costs.
How your Helper can support you
In line with your Care Plan, your Helper can assist with shopping, preparing meals, accessing drinks, and eating or drinking. They can respect your preferences, support your independence, and pass on any concerns or meal feedback to your care team.
If food, drinks or mealtimes are becoming difficult, please reach out
Small changes and the right support can make a difference. Call 1300 787 581 or email [email protected].