Nutrition & Hydration
Nutrition and hydration training helps your team understand the principles of good nutrition and hydration, and recognise the signs of malnutrition and dehydration. They learn to support residents to eat and drink well, in line with current UK guidance and best practice. Delivered on-site by our experienced trainers.
About the course
Support residents to eat and drink well
By the end of the course, delegates will:
- Recognise the importance of good nutrition & hydration
- Know the latest facts and statistics surrounding nutrition & hydration
- Recognise the signs and symptoms of malnutrition
- Be aware of the causes of malnutrition
- Know how to calculate someone’s BMI
- Know why you would need someone’s MUST score
- Understand the 5 MUST steps to establish the correct action plan
- Be familiar with the 5 food groups
- Understand the philosophy behind the Eatwell Guide
- Be familiar with foods that should be avoided
- Recognise signs and symptoms of dehydration
- Be aware of strategies to maintain hydration
- Recognise common conditions that could affect nutrition
- Know your own and your employer’s responsibilities
What you’ll cover
Full course content
Everything the course covers, exactly as our trainers deliver it:
Why nutrition and hydration matter
- More than just food
- The scale of the problem
- Assessing nutritional need
Recognising malnutrition
- What malnutrition means
- Spotting the warning signs
- Common causes
- More common in older age
- When the body needs more
Screening: BMI and the MUST tool
- What is BMI?
- The MUST screening tool
- Setting goals
Eating well: the Eatwell Guide
- The Eatwell Guide
- The five food groups
- Foods to enjoy in moderation
- Dietary choices
Hydration and dehydration
- Understanding dehydration
- Recognising dehydration
- Who is at greater risk
- Supporting good hydration
- Hydration and dementia
Nutritional challenges and special diets
- Conditions and diet
- Supporting weight management
- Coeliac disease and gluten-free diets
- Nutrition, mood and mental health
- Supporting nutrition in dementia
- Nutrition at the end of life
- Snacks and between-meal support
Roles, responsibilities and the law
- Care colleagues and nurses
- Kitchen staff
- The care home’s responsibilities
- The law that applies
Free resourceSigns of dehydration checklistThe signs of dehydration, who is at higher risk, what to do and when to get urgent help, based on NHS advice.Read and download →
Free resourceMeal prep for a healthy weekA practical guide to planning and preparing balanced meals across the week for staff and residents.Read and download →Keep exploring
Related specialist courses
These subjects sit naturally alongside this course — and we can combine courses into one visit.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Where is the training delivered?
All of our training is delivered on-site at your service, anywhere in the UK — we come to you, so there are no travel costs or venue hire for your team.
How long is the Nutrition & Hydration course?
It runs as a half day – 3 hours course, delivered in one visit unless stated otherwise.
How many delegates can attend?
Up to 15 delegates per session.
Do delegates receive a certificate?
Yes — every delegate receives a certificate on completion. Certificates are valid for 1 year, so plan refresher training before they expire.
How much does the course cost?
We price every course on application, based on your dates, location and delegate numbers. Use the contact buttons below — we reply quickly with a quote.
Can we combine courses into one visit?
Yes. Many clients build a full training day from shorter courses, and we can deliver several subjects in one visit — just tell us what your team needs.
Do you only train care providers?
No. This course suits care & nursing homes, schools & nurseries, hospitality & catering, community kitchens, childminders. If your sector isn’t listed, ask — we’ll tailor the course to your setting.
Book this course
We bring Nutrition & Hydration training to your service
Delivered on-site at your service, nationwide, with pricing on application. Tell us your dates and delegate numbers and we’ll reply quickly with a quote.
Part of our specialist training range. Also explore behaviour management training and mental health training.