Nutrition and well-being

“We will support care providers by encouraging positive changes that will actively raise the standard of care, each care provider is responsible for listening and acting upon concerns raised which benefits the care being provided. Nightingales Army is here to raise awareness about the concerns that are being expressed and unaddressed”

We promote good quality, healthy food and addressing mental and physical well-being before it becomes detrimental. Care staff and providers are on the go for long hours, often speaking to many individuals, documenting and handing over information, ensuring the safety and well-being of those around them and keeping up with infection control measures. After all this only then does the carer think of themselves. Have they had a drink in the last 6-8 hours? eaten food? Probably not. The carers care for the individuals in need but who cares for the carers? Providing staff with good, healthy, nutritious options to keep them alert active and maintain good concentration is beneficial to their health and well-being and will be reflected in their work and productivity.

Care providers have been very generous over the years when it comes to rewarding their staff with chocolate, cakes, donuts, sweets and fizzy drinks. Working in a fast pace job where healthcare assistants are always on the go a little sugar is always welcomed, the problem we have is that these treats have a negative effect on the body and mind, they give you a fast and quick boost of energy, but as quick as you come up you come right back down again, which leaves you feeling tired and lethargic, then the healthcare assistants end up snacking all day on a 12-14 hour shift on the wrong foods which also contributes to Obesity. Obesity can lead too serious health conditions such as stroke, coronary heart disease and depression and low mood, just to name a few.

A healthier alternative is fresh fruit, dried fruit, flavored water, breakfast bars, rice cakes, are a few great alternatives. These items will give your staff the natural energy they require for their busy shift work whilst contributing to their mental and physical health, reducing the risk of serious health conditions brought on by poor diet and over indulging. Encouraging your Health care assistants to eat their Five A Day will contribute to you showing you care about their well being and promote a healthy work environment.

Here are some suggestions for you

Please hover over the photos to see the benefits of each item.

Tomato

Tomatoes are the major dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. They are also a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K.

Apple

Eating fiber-rich foods helps control symptoms and lessens the effects of acid reflux. An apple's fiber can also help with diarrhea and constipation. Some studies show that plant chemicals and the fiber of an apple peel protect against blood vessel and heart damage.

Banana

Bananas have an undeserved bad reputation for being too high in sugar, when they're extremely nutritious. Sure, they are higher in sugar than many other fruits, but the sugar we're talking about here is natural sugar, not added—like in a candy bar,

Orange

Research suggests that these citrus phytochemicals help support the body and protect us from conditions such as heart disease and cancer – they're also thought to have some anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antimicrobial benefits. Oranges are also a good source of fibre, B vitamins, vitamin A, calcium and potassium.

Pear

Pears are a powerhouse fruit, packing fiber, vitamins, and beneficial plant compounds. These nutrients are thought to fight inflammation, promote gut and heart health, protect against certain diseases, and even aid weight loss. Just be sure to eat the peel, as it harbors many of this fruit's nutrients.

Nuts and dry fruit

Dried fruits also contain more fiber and more of the antioxidants called phenols than fresh fruit, per ounce. Fiber fights heart disease, obesity, and some types of cancer. Both raw and roasted nuts are good for you and provide health benefits. Both varieties contain similar amounts of calories, protein, carbs and fiber.

Apetito - Hot Meals on Wheels

“Apetito are the West Sussex County Councils Meals on Wheels Service delivering hot meals directly to our clients door 7 days a week, 365 days a year.”

The service is a two or three course hot nutritious meal delivered at lunchtime by our local friendly drivers. We offer a varied selection of nutritious soups, main meals and desserts to suit all tastes and dietary requirements. Our menus include a range of dishes from low fat, low salt to gluten free or reduced sugars to vegetarian and vegan. We also cater for a range of specialist diet needs through our award winning Texture Modified Meals.

As well as a two or three course lunch, for a small additional charge clients can also order a tea time pack to be delivered along with their hot meal. This includes a sandwich, cake and piece of fruit and can be enjoyed as an evening meal.
Apetito helps to support those who are vulnerable and elderly in the community by promoting good health and well-being through the supply of their hot nutritious meals. As part of the service Apetito drivers will also carryout a safe and well-being check on delivery to help clients live safer and well in their own homes, where they want to be. They can also fetch cutlery, plate the meal up for them and offer clients a glass of water to help keep them hydrated.
Having a regular hot meal can help reduce malnutrition occurring within the home and its negative effects such as poor immunity, increased risk of infection, poor mobility, reduced quality of life and mental health problems. There is also hidden hydration with in the food which will help contribute towards their daily water intake helping to reduce dizziness, heat stress, pressure ulcers and increased risk of falls.

Available to anyone living in West Sussex, ordering is simple, just call 01225 759691 or visit our Website, click here, for further information. With no contracts clients can choose how often they’d like their meals making it an ideal choice for short or long term use.

Nutritional information

Is your service providing care to vulnerable people in the community, living alone or with decreasing ability? Do you think they would benefit from regular nutritional meals? We highly recommend Apetito service to those living in the community. Who require support with their day to day activities, meal times and nutritional understanding.

Because of the staff’s training and awareness for an individuals well-being and nutritional importance to a healthy lifestyle. It could positively contribute to an individuals day. Provide vital interaction and support in a caring manner. – Nightingales Army

Have an unanswered question? Contact us today and we will help you to find an answer.

Gym membership

Nightingales Army spoke to local gyms and leisure centers within West Sussex, we found them to support care providers companies to apply for a discount on memberships for their staff, in fact quite a few already have this service up and running. Why is this not being promoted?

Nightingales Army encourages care providers to offer gyms and leisure center discounts to their staff and encourage staff to ask for this alternative reward. Perks like this, could gain new staff, contribute to retention and personal growth through a rise in mental and physical well-being, this will hugely contribute to reducing sickness and improve the standard of care being delivered to the service user.

We are not suggesting no to all treats, we are just providing balance. As we would do for our services users, so we should do for ourselves.

“Actively Raise The Standard Of Care”