Nourishing Lives with Mariposa Care: Resident Nutrition & Hydration

07/10/2024

At Mariposa Care, we believe that food and drink is much more than simply sustenance; it’s an opportunity to further enhance physical and mental wellbeing through nutrition and hydration.

 

By giving special consideration to these key aspects of daily living, we continue our commitment to providing outstanding, person-centred, holistic care in adherence to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) guidance.

So how do we achieve this?

 

Personalised Meal Plans

 

We recognise every resident who lives with us is unique, and so are their dietary preferences and needs. That’s why we consider factors such as medical conditions, allergies and personal preferences to develop individual meal plans. By catering to these distinct requirements, we ensure each resident’s diet supports their health whilst also bringing them joy.

Our talented chefs work collaboratively with residents and dieticians to create a menu that provides variety and fulfilment, using the finest produce and culinary techniques to create dishes that are not only nutritionally balanced but also appealing to diverse tastes. This inclusive approach enhances engagement and empowers residents, reflecting the CQC’s emphasis on involvement and inclusivity.

 

Professional Catering Teams

 

Each Mariposa Care home has a highly skilled catering team who specialise in creating balanced, varied and high-quality meals. These teams are also responsible for ensuring the safety and management of our kitchens and catering spaces, in adherence to the strict rules and procedures set by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) who rate each setting using a star-system. Our latest FSA ratings are displayed in each of our care homes, or you can search for them online here.  

To provide the best possible care, our catering team also undergoes continuous training and education throughout their careers with us This ongoing professional development ensures that our team is well-equipped to address the dietary needs of residents effectively and to the highest standards.

 

Hydration Management

 

We recognise that staying hydrated is vital for the overall health and wellbeing of our residents; especially as studies show optimised hydration can help reduce the risk of falls and UTIs in older adults.

We ensure there are always a variety of hot and cold drinks available to residents, and regularly encourage intake both individually and offering activities such as coffee mornings that encourage social interaction and hydration. In addition, our teams also regularly offer fresh fruit and vegetables that aid hydration such as watermelon, peaches and strawberries.

Digital Care Planning

 

We use Person Centred Software (PCS) to monitor daily nutrition and hydration – by inputting fluid and dietary requirements, including targets and caps, our care teams can easily track daily intake and encourage residents to increase food and drink as required.

The system also allows care teams to log specific likes and dislikes, empowering colleagues to offer food and drinks that are most likely to be well-received and enjoyed.

 

Engaging Dining Experience

 

We understand that mealtimes are not just about food, they are an engaging daily activity and opportunity for enjoyment. We provide homely yet stylish dining rooms that encourage social interaction through spacious tables and comfortable seating. These daily gatherings help foster connections among residents and create a joyful atmosphere within our homes.

 

 

 

At Mariposa Care, we take great pride in the culinary experience offered within our homes. By focusing on the unique needs of each resident, investing in staff training and providing first-class catering facilities, we ensure that all nutrition and hydration requirements are not only achieved but exceeded; continuing our commitment to ensure residents live their best possible lives with us.