It is no secret that nutrition and diet play a major role in our health and well-being.  A healthy balanced diet is a basic requirement of life and provides us with essential nutrients for energy and strength, which can increase the quality of life. There are many reasons that prevent a person from receiving adequately nutritious meals and unfortunately carers know only too well of the many issues surrounding meal times and dietary requirements. In a Survey by Carers UK it was found that 60% of carers worry about the nutritional intake of the person they care for, fearing consequential  malnutrition, illness and deterioration of  health.

 

As carers, it is a constant challenge trying to make sure the person we care for is meeting their daily nutritional requirements and daily mealtime struggles can often lead to feelings of frustration, exhaustion, and anxiety for everyone involved. That is why basic eating and nutritional training is paramount in leading the way to more enjoyable mealtime experiences for both carers and the person being cared for.

 

PrimeHealth London aims to develop a user-friendly nutritional education program offering training, support and advice for all types of carers, support workers and the people they care for. We aim to educate carers with practical cooking skills and how to prepare healthy nutritious food within the home and care-home setting.

 

By enabling greater awareness of complex dietary issues such as malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies we will provide knowledge of what constitutes an appetising, nutritious meal that promotes choice and supports the needs of the person eating it. We aim to empower carers, support workers and persons being cared for to make better, healthier food choices that promote well-being and healthy lifestyles. Other topics we will explore will include adapted and modified foods, mealtime encouragement, assisted eating, portion control and cultural foods.

 

Program includes:

 

• Nutritional & healthy-eating education

• Know your vitamins & nutrients requirements

• Practical cooking skills sessions

• Quick and easy recipes

• Food Hygiene & Safety skills

• Meals  & menu planning

• Shopping and budgeting

• Special diets and nutritional needs to counter illness & disease

• Reading food labelling