Clyde Valley takes aim at tackling malnutrition and dehydration
At Clyde Valley Care Home, ensuring residents receive the best possible care goes beyond physical support, it’s about enriching their quality of life in every way.
One of the most crucial aspects of this is ensuring our residents get the appropriate nutrition and hydration, which play a key role in maintaining physical health, cognitive function, and overall well-being.
That’s why we are proud to introduce Clyde Valley’s three Nutrition Champions Louis, Steven, and Tom, dedicated team members who advocate for proper nutrition, monitor hydration, and create mealtime experiences that are engaging, enjoyable, and tailored to individual needs.
Set within the stunning Monteith House in Lanarkshire, Clyde Valley Care Home provides specialist care for young adults with severe mental health conditions and/or learning disabilities. Many of our residents have complex needs that require careful nutritional planning, making the role of our Nutrition Champions all the more important.
Across the UK, 1 in 4 care home residents experience malnutrition, leading to weakened immune systems, increased infection risk, slower wound healing, and impaired cognitive function. Dehydration can also worsen conditions such as ulcers, bedsores, dementia, and stroke risk. That’s why our Nutrition Champions are a vital part of our commitment to resident well-being, ensuring that every individual receives the right nutritional support in a way that works best for them.
Our Nutrition Champions work closely with residents, families, and kitchen staff to tailor meals to dietary needs, medical conditions, and personal preferences. They also focus on promoting hydration, making sure fluids are easily accessible and regularly offered, while fostering a positive mealtime experience in a welcoming, social atmosphere. By monitoring nutritional intake, they proactively identify and address any risks of malnutrition or dehydration, helping to keep residents feeling their best.
This initiative is yet another example of the dedication and compassion that make Clyde Valley special. Our staff have long been recognised for going above and beyond, most recently with their nomination for Specialist Service/Unit of the Year at the Scottish Care Awards. As Home Manager Billy Russell has said, “It’s more like a family here.”
Just as our staff step into the role of family for many residents, our Nutrition Champions will ensure that food and hydration are never overlooked. Whether it’s adapting meals to suit dietary needs, offering a warm cup of tea at just the right moment, or making mealtimes a social and enjoyable experience, they are another key part of the person-centred care that defines Clyde Valley.
