8.2d Support and encourage individuals to drink in accordance with their plan of care

Individuals should be supported and encouraged to drink in accordance with their plan of care. Their care plan will set out their food and fluid requirements and what should be done to ensure they are getting the right amount of nutrition and staying hydrated. As such, it is extremely important that they drink and eat in accordance with it.

The contents of the care plan varies between individuals, but mainly you should offer the individual drinks throughout the day and encourage them to drink, advising them not to leave drinking until they are thirsty and already dehydrated. This will keep the individual hydrated and improve their health and well-being.