Good nutrition and hydration are essential to maintaining health, wellbeing, and dignity in care settings. Every individual has the right to receive the appropriate food, fluids, and support to meet their personal needs — whether they are living independently, in a care home, or receiving healthcare support.
This free fluids and nutrition online course provides health and social care professionals with the knowledge and practical skills to understand, monitor, and promote proper fluid and nutritional intake. It also explores how to identify risks, support dietary preferences, and record information accurately in line with UK regulations and best practice guidance.
Why Take This eLearning Course?
Maintaining proper hydration and nutrition is a key part of quality care and safeguarding. When care workers understand how to support people’s individual dietary and fluid needs, they help prevent illness, promote recovery, and enhance quality of life.
Here’s why this course matters:
- Promote safety and wellbeing: Learn how to identify dehydration, malnutrition, and the warning signs that someone is not eating or drinking enough.
- Support person-centred care: Understand how to create care plans that respect personal preferences, medical conditions, and cultural or religious dietary requirements.
- Stay compliant with UK standards: Align your practice with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, CQC Fundamental Standards, and Food Safety Act 1990.
- Reduce risk: Learn how to prevent food contamination, maintain hygiene, and handle dietary needs safely.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain the importance of fluids and nutrition in maintaining good physical and mental health.
- Identify individuals who may rely on care workers to meet their nutritional and hydration needs.
- Recognise the signs and symptoms of dehydration and malnutrition.
- Describe the key components of a balanced diet, including macro- and micronutrients.
- Apply safe food handling, hygiene, and infection prevention principles in food preparation.
- Understand how to conduct nutritional and hydration assessments.
- Develop and implement individualised care plans that reflect a person’s preferences and medical needs.
- Identify and report concerns about poor nutrition or fluid intake through appropriate channels.
- Recognise the impact of poor nutrition and hydration on overall health, wellbeing, and recovery.
- Use practical strategies to encourage and support eating and drinking in care settings.
Target Audience
This course is suitable for:
- Health and social care workers
- Support workers, carers, and healthcare assistants
- Nurses and allied health professionals
- Managers, team leaders, and supervisors in care settings
- Anyone involved in preparing, serving, or monitoring food and fluids in care environments
No prior knowledge is required. The course is suitable for both new and experienced staff members.
FAQ
How long does the course take?
Most learners complete the course in 1–2 hours, depending on their experience and pace.
Do I need previous training?
No. This course is suitable for all care workers and support staff, whether new to the role or looking to refresh their knowledge.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate of completion confirming your learning.
Is this course CPD accredited?
CPD accreditation is currently in progress. Your certificate will reflect CPD hours once accreditation is finalised.
Is the course aligned with UK care standards?
Yes. The course aligns with CQC Fundamental Standards, NICE guidelines, and the Health and Social Care Act 2008.
Dehydration and malnutrition are preventable causes of poor health and hospital admission. Care workers play a vital role in supporting individuals to stay nourished, hydrated, and healthy.
This course empowers learners to make informed, compassionate, and safe decisions when providing meals, fluids, and nutritional care — ensuring the wellbeing and dignity of every person they support.
Enrol on the Fluids and Nutrition Training Course today
Build your confidence and skills to support healthy eating, hydration, and wellbeing in every care setting.
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Fluids and Nutrition Training Course CPD Accredited and Government Funding
We’re working on getting this Fluids and Nutrition Training Course CPD accredited, and any course that’s approved will be clearly labelled as CPD accredited on the site. Not every health and social care course has to be accredited to help you meet CQC expectations – what matters is that staff are competent, confident and properly trained for their roles under Regulation 18. Our courses are built to support those requirements, and because they’re not government funded there are no eligibility checks or ID needed – you can enrol and start learning straight away.
