Suffolk care homes publish guide to eating well in older age

Home news

Mar 15, 2016

Care UK’s care homes in Suffolk are providing support for older people with the publication of Eating as we age, a free guide packed with advice on eating well and staying hydrated in older age.

Eating as we age is an easy-to-follow guide designed to help anyone who experiences problems with eating or drinking, as well as those caring for an older friend or relative. With the expertise of Care UK’s chefs and the experiences of its care professionals, the guide answers common questions and concerns about health and wellbeing in older age, with plenty of practical tips for nutrition, hydration and dining with dignity alongside recipe inspiration and advice on specific dietary issues.

According to a survey of 1,000 people with parents over 70, which was recently carried out nationally by Care UK, 40 per cent of respondents from East Anglia said they have not seen their loved ones eat a full meal prepared by themselves over the last six months. 

The survey also revealed 56 per cent of older people in East Anglia skip at least one of their three daily meals, while 43 per cent of respondents in the region have noticed their mum or dad eating smaller portions than everyone else.

Sue Hill, home manager at Mills Meadow care home in Framlingham, said: “With over 7,000 people living in Care UK care homes across the UK, day-in, day-out we see the importance of a balanced and nutritious diet, with old age and illness often putting a strain on the body. We also understand how tough it can be for family carers to see their loved ones’ appetites diminish, particularly for those living with dementia.

“We have collated a family-friendly guide which is full of tried-and-tested tips as well as nutritious recipe ideas, which we hope will make a real difference to family carers and their older loved ones.”

According to the findings of Care UK’s survey, 56 per cent of older people in East Anglia find it difficult to prepare meals, compared with 34 per cent nationally. Almost 30 per cent of people in East Anglia said their older loved one needed regular support to prepare and cook dinner.

Sue Hill continued: “Eating as we age also has a chapter dedicated to ‘dining with dignity’, as its just as important to support older people to continue enjoying the social experience of dining. A good mealtime experience can encourage people to eat more and have a hugely positive impact on their overall wellbeing.

“To pick up your free copy of Eating as we age, pop-in to Mills Meadow or any of Care UK’s Suffolk care homes, or download the guide at careuk.com/eat.  Our doors are always open, and our trained chefs are on hand to talk to people about how they cater for the changing needs and tastes of older people.” 

For more information about Care UK’s 10 Suffolk care homes please call 0333 321 0956 or visit careuk.com/suffolk.

Eating as we age is the latest in a series of advice guides for family carers from Care UK. For information on other available guides, please go to careuk.com.