Diet and Nutrition Awareness

Diet refers to the types and amounts of food and drink a person consumes regularly. Nutrition is the process by which the body takes in and uses those nutrients from food to support growth, repair, and overall health. Together, diet and nutrition influence how well the body functions and how resilient it is against illness and disease.

Diet and nutrition are crucial in health and social care because they directly impact a person’s ability to recover from illness, maintain strength and mobility, and prevent complications such as infections, pressure ulcers, or hospital admissions. Proper nutrition supports overall wellbeing, mental clarity, and quality of life — especially for individuals receiving long-term or residential care.

Diet is the source, while nutrition is the effect. The foods and beverages you consume (your diet) determine the types and quality of nutrients your body receives. Good nutrition comes from a balanced diet that provides all essential nutrients — including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals — in the right amounts to maintain health and wellbeing.

In the UK, older adults may access nutritional support through various services, including:

• Community meal services (e.g. Meals on Wheels)
• Day centre or care home meal provision
• NHS or local authority services for those identified as at risk of malnutrition
  Eligibility is typically based on age (generally 65+), health status, care needs, and local council assessments. Contacting your local authority or GP is the best way to find out what support is available in your area.

To promote nutrition and hydration in care settings, you should:

• Provide regular balanced, nutritious and appealing meals tailored to individual dietary needs and preferences
• Ensure regular meal and snack times
• Encourage frequent drinking and fluid intake throughout the day
• Monitor for signs of malnutrition or dehydration
• Offer assistance with eating and drinking for those who need support
• Create a calm, social mealtime environment
• Use nutritional screening tools like the MUST tool to assess and support at-risk individuals
• Involve service users in meal planning to respect preferences and encourage appetite

In health and social care, nutrition refers to ensuring individuals receive adequate and appropriate food and nutrients to maintain their physical and mental health. It involves assessing dietary needs, planning balanced meals, supporting eating and hydration, and addressing any barriers to proper nutrition — particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, disabled, or those with long term medical conditions.