Domiciliary Care

This page is for anyone working in a domiciliary care setting and contains information and advice on simple, effective ways we can reduce the risk of catching and transmitting coronavirus and support older people to maintain their health and wellbeing.

MTF Self-screening pack

In partnership with numerous organisations, we have pulled together tools that have been developed for use in the community by non-clinical staff, including volunteers and carers who work with older people, or by older people and their families. Find out more.

Nutrition and shopping discharge leaflets

Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust Dietitians

Created by Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust Dietitians, these two leaflets contain really handy tips about eating and shopping after being discharged from hospital. You may like to give the leaflets to an older person you care for to provide them with helpful information.

COVID 19 Nutritional discharge leaflet

COVID 19 Shopping discharge leaflet

Staying hydrated as we get older

A really useful leaflet from Wessex AHSN, which not only offers guidance to older people about staying hydrated but also advice for someone caring for an older person.

View the leaflet here.

Eating well feeling good

A guide for older people from Wessex AHSN, that is especially helpful if you are worried about someone who has unplanned weight loss or is underweight. Offers tips for eating more. 

Download the leaflet here

Care Home Companion

NHS Southern Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group

Although designed to be used in care homes, this site offers lots of tips and practical solutions that would be really helpful in a home care setting.

You can find information and resources on lots of topics including eating, drinking, swallowing problems and mouth care on their website.

The Hydrant

The Hydrant is a hands-free drinking system which can help anyone who struggles to hold, lift or reach a drink.

It allows the person to drink 1 litre of water independently preventing dehydration.

More information can be found here.

Hydration at home 

Wessex AHSN are currently piloting this project which involved working with older people and domiciallary carers to raise awareness of good hydration and the use of hydration aids. Find out more.

Undernutrition Awareness and Training

The Wessex AHSN has put together a toolkit of resources (endorsed by the British Dietetic Association) that can be used in a range of health and care setting to promote undernutrition awareness and training. 

Dignity in care: nutrition for older people at home

Social Care Institute for excellence

This film highlights the role of good nutritional care and hydration for older people living in their own homes

Grandad's Story  from Wessex AHSN

This video is a great reminder of why hydration is so important and how easy it is for an older person to get dehydrated. It also offers simple steps where carers can provide support. 

Watch the video here.

Dysphagia Guide e-learning resource

Health Education England has worked in partnership with industry experts and care home staff to develop the Dysphagia Guide e-learning resource for those working with people living with dysphagia. The resource is helpful for those working in health and care , informal carers and people with dysphagia themselves. 

The resource can be used to support people working in care to gain the relevant level of competency for their role as laid out in the Eating, Drinking and Swallowing Competency Framework.

Visit https://www.e-lfh.org.uk/programmes/dysphagia/