Older people in hospital - Eating and drinking

Why eating and drinking matters in hospital#

In hospital, food is an important part of the treatment and care of patients. Eating and drinking regularly is just as important to your health and wellbeing as your other treatments. Not eating and drinking enough is a common problem for older people in hospital, and it can slow down your recovery.

Not eating and drinking enough can quickly lead to weight and muscle loss, particularly for older people. This means losing strength, which can make you less mobile and more likely to fall. It can also increase the chance of skin damage, and any damage that does occur can take longer to heal. Eating healthy food and drinking enough water both play an important role in maintaining healthy skin and in wound healing. Overall, poor nutrition can mean a longer stay in hospital and may stop you from fully recovering.

Some of the reasons older people may not eat enough for good nutrition include:

• feeling lonely or isolated
• a reduced appetite
• a reduced sense of smell or taste
• dental health issues
• gastrointestinal problems
• anxiety

Tips for healthy eating in hospital#

The food and drink you receive in hospital may be different to what you eat at home. Even if you don’t feel like eating, or don’t like the food very much, it’s a good idea to try to eat it anyway. You can also ask staff whether your family or friends can bring you food you would prefer to eat. Most hospitals require that you check with them first, because there are food safety rules.

When you arrive at hospital, tell staff if you:

• have any problems eating and drinking
• have any problems with your teeth, mouth or swallowing
• are on a restricted diet
• feel you ‘cannot eat’
• have recently lost your appetite or lost weight without trying

Staff can talk through your concerns and help you with a plan to reach and keep a healthy weight. You can ask to be weighed when you first arrive and regularly during your stay. If you are worried about your diet, ask to see a dietitian.

Daily meals in hospital#

Most hospitals have a menu system, which may be paper based or an online system. To choose your daily meals, fill out the menu on time, or you may receive a standard meal that is not to your liking.

To make completing the menu easier:

• Bring a pen or pencil and keep it somewhere safe and easy to reach.
• Ask for help to complete the menu if you need it.
• Talk to staff about what foods you do and don’t eat, and about your eating habits.

Let staff know if there are foods you won’t eat, for example because of your religion, culture or dietary requirements. The kitchen should be able to cater for special needs. Some hospitals use an electronic or digital system, where your order is recorded on a device such as a tablet.

Additional food and supplements in hospital#

Before having food brought in from outside the hospital, check with the nurse looking after you, because of food safety rules. Tell hospital staff if you usually take any extra healthy drinks or supplements. It is also important to let staff know if you have a swallowing problem and need your food pureed or minced, or your drinks thickened.

The food brought to you in hospital is designed to meet your daily nutrition requirements. Make sure you:

• eat regular main meals and snacks, and drink plenty of water (unless your doctor has told you not to)
• ask staff whether your family or friends can bring you meals or snacks from home

Sometimes tests and treatments take place during mealtimes, or you may need to avoid eating or drinking before a test or treatment. Hospital staff will tell you if this is the case. If you miss a meal because of a test or treatment, speak to staff about getting food and drink as soon as possible.

Eating and drinking for health in hospital#

To help you eat well during your stay:

• wear dentures and glasses if you normally do
• ask a staff member if you need help with eating, drinking or opening food packaging
• sit out of bed to eat your meals, or eat in the patients’ dining room if there is one
• keep your over-bed table as clear as possible, so staff have a place to put your meal
• ask the person delivering your meal to move it closer to you if the over-bed table is too far away

Key points#

• In hospital, food is an important part of the treatment and care of patients.
• Eating and drinking regularly is as important to your health and wellbeing as your other treatments.
• Not eating and drinking enough is a common problem for older people in hospital and it can slow down your recovery.
• Healthy eating and drinking play a key role in maintaining skin health and wound healing.
• Not eating and drinking enough can quickly cause weight and muscle loss, particularly for older people.

Where to get help#