Effective Monitoring of Food and Drink Intake Training

Learning Outcomes

• Nutrition & Diet Basics: Understanding nutrition, malnutrition, food groups, portion sizes, balanced diets, hydration and food safety.

• Risks & Barriers: Recognising barriers to healthy eating and why older adults and vulnerable groups are at higher risk of malnutrition and dehydration.

• MUST Screening: Knowing how to complete the MUST tool, interpret MUST scores, understand what they indicate, and take appropriate actions such as food fortification, increased monitoring, or referral.

• Effects of Malnutrition & Dehydration: Understanding the short‑ and long‑term consequences and when to escalate concerns.

• Person‑Centred Nutritional Care: Considering preferences, cultural or specialist dietary needs, textures, flavours, portion sizes, meal timing, and creating a positive dining environment.

• Supporting Independence: Making adaptations to help individuals eat and drink independently and providing appropriate encouragement and support.

• Understanding Preferences: Using methods such as show‑and‑tell menus, taster sessions, and observing non‑verbal cues to identify likes and dislikes.

• Involving Others: Knowing when to involve family, carers, and professionals such as SALT, dietitians, and occupational therapists.

• Access to Food & Fluids: Ensuring food and drink are available throughout the day, e.g., snack boxes and hydration stations.

• Awareness of Dietary Guidelines: Learners should be familiar with dietary guidelines and recommendations provided by health authorities.

• Monitoring & Documentation: Tracking food and fluid intake accurately, including amounts offered, consumed, and any modifications.

Session Details

Where: The Stone House Hotel, Brooms Park Stafford Road, Stone, ST15 0BQ 

When: 

• 8 September 2026 - 9:30am - 15:00pm
• 23 September 2026 - 09:30am - 15:00pm
• 15 October 2026 - 09:30am - 15:00pm
• 28 October 2026 - 09:30am - 15:00pm
• 9 November 2026 - 09:30am - 15:00pm
• 9 February 2027 - 09:30am - 16:30pm

Audience: Staffordshire Adult Social Care providers delivering care to:

• Individuals residing in Staffordshire
• Individuals living outside of Staffordshire funded/commissioned by Staffordshire County Council

Car Parking

Please note that there is free on site car parking at The Stone House Hotel.

Refreshments

A small basic lunch will be provided on the day, you can purchase drinks from the café on site.

Accessibility

If you have any additional requirements, such as the need for British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation or mobility requirements, please let us know in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.

Waiting List