Healthy Eating Week: Supporting the Wellbeing of Older Adults in Oxford
Learn how Home Instead Oxford supports older adults with nutritious meals and mealtime companionship during Healthy Eating Week.
As we mark Healthy Eating Week here in the UK, it’s a timely reminder of just how important proper nutrition is—especially for our older population. A well-balanced diet isn’t just about keeping up energy levels; it plays a critical role in managing long-term health conditions, supporting brain function, strengthening immunity, and maintaining independence in later life.
At Home Instead Oxford, we understand the unique nutritional needs of older adults. Many of the wonderful individuals we support live in communities across Oxfordshire—from Bampton and Kidlington to Beckley and Standlake—and each person benefits from a tailored approach to health and wellbeing.
Why Nutrition Matters More as We Age
As we grow older, our bodies change in ways that affect how we process food. Appetite may decrease, taste and smell can diminish, and certain medical conditions or medications might interfere with nutrient absorption.
That’s why it’s so vital to focus on:
- Protein-rich foods for muscle strength and repair
- Calcium and vitamin D to support bone health
- Fibre to promote digestive health
- Hydration, which is often overlooked but crucial for older adults
- Heart-friendly fats, like those found in oily fish, nuts and olive oil
Malnutrition in older adults is a growing concern, and it doesn’t always look like weight loss—it can also mean low energy, frailty, or a weakened immune system.
How Home Instead Oxford Supports Healthy Eating
At Home Instead Oxford, nutritious meals are a key part of our care plans. Our Care Professionals are trained not only in meal preparation, but in creating positive mealtime experiences that encourage healthy eating habits.
Here’s how we help:
- Home-cooked meals tailored to individual needs and preferences
- Help with shopping and menu planning, including visits to local markets in Oxford or farm shops in places like Yarnton
- Assistance with hydration, especially important during the warmer summer months
- Monitoring of dietary changes or concerns to keep families and healthcare providers informed
- Companionship at mealtimes, which can make all the difference in encouraging regular eating
For clients living with dementia, we take extra care to ensure meals are simple, familiar, and appealing—perhaps a comforting shepherd’s pie or a warm bowl of porridge, served with patience and a friendly smile.
Small Changes, Big Impact
It’s never too late to embrace better eating habits. Even small changes—like adding more colourful vegetables to the plate or ensuring there’s always a glass of water within reach—can have a meaningful effect on wellbeing.
This Healthy Eating Week, we encourage families to have conversations about food and nutrition with their loved ones. Whether it’s cooking together, checking the cupboards, or just making time for a shared cup of tea, those moments matter.
At Home Instead Oxford, we’re proud to help older adults across our community enjoy not just healthy meals—but also the independence, dignity, and joy that comes with them.
DB likes to eat as healthily as possible, here’s what she had to say about her support with nutrition:
“I enjoy my fresh porridge in the morning, which my Care Professionals prepare for me with grapes and prunes.
Although some of my hot meals are ready-meals, I really enjoy the fresh green vegetables that my Care Professionals cook to go along with it.
I particularly like the fresh fish that Malcolm prepares for me, Malcolm’s fish and chips are the best”.
Need help ensuring your loved one is eating well?