A Global Afternoon Tea at Forest Oaks

Residents and staff from Forest Oaks have today enjoyed taking part in the Nutrition and Hydration Week’s Global Afternoon Tea Event – (www.nutritionandhydrationweek.co.uk). The aim of the Global Afternoon Tea is for health and social care organisations to join together and demonstrate a commitment to improving nutritional care.

Residents enjoyed their nutritious afternoon tea which included a selection of fruit smoothies to taste test. Residents also took part in a Hydration Quiz and a presentation of the Tetley Hydration Fact Sheet. They learnt about the importance of staying hydrated and some tips to help older people keep hydrated. Here are some of the things the found out:

• Caffeinated beverages are often perceived as dehydrating due to their diuretic properties, however this is a myth, and when consumed in moderate amounts caffeine doesn’t affect hydration levels.
• It is better to take regular smaller drinks than to consume all your daily fluid intake in one go. You should aim to drink 6 to 8 drinks a day of water, sugar free drinks or tea or coffee.
• In a Boston University study it was found that dementia sufferers drank almost 84% more liquid when served in coloured cups. Why not use brightly coloured dementia friendly, anti-slip cups? For dysphagia and dementia patients, thickeners can also be added to tea without affecting the flavour.
• Just breathing in and out in a day uses up a pint of water.
• There are many reasons elderly people are often at an increased risk of dehydration including thirst sensation and detection decreasing with age, difficulties in accessing drinks, and fear of incontinence. Regularly offer cups of tea or make them easily available via a self-serve tea making facility.
• The human body is comprised of between 50-75% water, depending on a person’s age and gender, so keeping hydrated is vital in order for the body to function effectively. A comforting cup of tea can contribute to fluid intake.

These facts and more are available via the website – www.nutritionandhydrationweek.co.uk

Lisa Dillane, CEO of The Wilverley Associaton, commented;

“We have really enjoyed taking part in the Global Afternoon Tea and I feel that it is important that The Wilverley Association pledges its support to raise awareness of the importance of nutrition and hydration as an essential element of care. Both our homes, Forest Oaks in Brockenhurst and Little Haven in Dibden Purlieu, are committed to this cause. We have launched a new refresher Nutrition and Hydration training programme for all our staff across both homes to ensure that we continually look for ways to improve the excellent care that we offer our residents. Our Nutrition and Hydration Champions at both homes will continue this work throughout the year.”