Care England has published a comprehensive report detailing the economic and physical ramifications of malnutrition throughout the country. Unfortunately, malnutrition remains a persistent challenge faced by numerous service users and providers in the UK on a daily basis.
Key findings from the report highlights the following:
- Economic burden: Malnutrition is projected to incur an annual cost of nearly £20 billion in England, with around 50% of this expenditure associated with individuals aged 65 and over
- Prevalence in older adults: The population aged over 65 is disproportionately impacted, both in terms of prevalence and associated costs. This situation underscores a considerable challenge for health and social care services
- Care England report: The latest report from Care England highlights not only the economic ramifications but also the physical and health effects of malnutrition, especially among older adults
- Sector response: In response to these findings Care England has launched initiatives aimed at tackling malnutrition within the care sector, focusing on prevention, early identification and improved nutritional support for older people
- Call to action: The report highlights the critical necessity for comprehensive strategies and collaborative efforts across sectors to tackle malnutrition. It aims to decrease its prevalence and alleviate the significant financial burden it places on the health and care system
How CareLineLive supports hydration and nutrition
Following extensive research and an Innovation UK grant awarded to CareLineLive in 2021, we have successfully developed features that enable care staff and managers to effectively monitor and manage nutrition and hydration. CareLineLive goes beyond traditional methods to ensure a comprehensive circle of care, enabling users to report concerns in real time. It paves the way for health and well-being through thorough assessment, diligent observation and universal malnutrition scoring and screening.
This information is also accessible for sharing with emergency services through a strict one-time access protocol. Additionally, selected stakeholders including relatives can access visit information and other essential details, again through a rigorous permissions process. Data security and privacy are paramount in software development, ensuring the protection of sensitive information and privacy.
Person-centred care
CareLineLive’s approach is rooted in person-centred care. By capturing individual preferences and requirements the system helps carers deliver tailored support, such as:
- Offering meals and drinks that align with the service user’s tastes and medical needs
- Adjusting care plans promptly if nutritional or hydration issues are identified
- Supporting positive nutritional outcomes, including the use of fortified foods or thickened fluids when necessary
Comprehensive assessment and monitoring
CareLineLive offers a comprehensive suite of home care assessment and monitoring templates tailored for care managers and carers. These tools are specifically designed to evaluate and address the hydration and nutrition needs of service users. The platform’s fluids and nutrition assessment feature facilitates the collection of detailed information regarding dietary requirements, including:
- Food and beverage preferences and dislikes: Understanding individual likes and dislikes helps tailor meal options to enhance satisfaction
- Preparation preferences: Knowing how someone prefers their food prepared can significantly improve their food intake and dining experience
- Allergies and intolerances: Identifying any allergies or intolerances is crucial for ensuring safety and comfort during meals
- Specific nutritional needs: This includes considerations such as food fortification or the use of thickening agents for safe swallowing, which is particularly important for individuals with conditions like dysphagia
Real-time recording and visibility
Once the assessment is complete, it can be easily uploaded to the service user’s digital care record. Tasks can also be created to reflect the client’s wishes and preferences, guaranteeing that carers receive tailored, person-centred information. This approach enables carers to provide high-quality care and support using the comprehensive Carer Companion app. Carers can then:
- Record food and fluid intake in real time during visits
- Monitor adherence to dietary plans and hydration targets
- Ensure that all relevant information is up-to-date and visible to the entire care team
- Report any concerns through the observation feature on the carer companion app
Supporting compliance and best practice
The platform’s digital records create a transparent audit trail and serve as evidence of care, thereby supporting compliance with regulatory standards and best practice guidelines for nutrition and hydration in home care environments. This functionality enables providers to showcase effective, safe and responsive care during inspections or audits.
CareLineLive’s digital tools empower home care providers to proactively monitor, record and respond to the hydration and nutrition needs of those they support, helping to prevent malnutrition and dehydration while promoting overall well-being.
Is your current software effectively meeting the nutritional and hydration needs of your service users? If not, book your free demo here to discover how CareLineLive’s features can help combat malnutrition.
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