Care Certificate Standard 8 – Fluids and Nutrition Course

Providing Fluids and Nutrition – Online Course

Course overview
This online course introduces the principles of providing adequate fluids and nutrition in health and social care settings. It explores the importance of hydration and nutrition, with particular attention to the needs of infants and older people. Learners will develop an understanding of dehydration, undernutrition, factors that affect eating and drinking, and ways to support individuals with their nutritional and hydration needs. The course takes 1 hour to complete and is worth 1 CPD point.

Please note: This is an introductory Level 1 course that provides awareness and theoretical knowledge of fluids and nutrition in care settings. It does not replace any practical, regulated or role-specific training an employer may require.

What the course covers
• Principles of providing fluids and nutrition
• Case studies relating to nutrition and hydration
• Dehydration and associated risks
• Undernutrition and screening
• Reasons individuals may not eat or drink
• Clinical conditions that can affect nutrition and hydration
• The influence of the physical environment
• Practical aids to support eating and drinking
• Service delivery and support arrangements
• Encouraging and motivating individuals
• Safety and personal hygiene
• Effective handwashing practices
• Cultural and religious considerations
• The role of specialists
• Reporting concerns and changes in an individual’s condition
• Supporting people with restrictions

Who is it for?
This course is designed for people working in health and social care who want to develop or refresh their knowledge of nutrition and hydration. It is suitable for introductory awareness, staff induction, refresher training and general knowledge development.

It may be particularly relevant to:
• Caregivers and care workers
• Support workers
• Healthcare assistants
• Dietitians and nutritionists
• Occupational therapists
• Community nurses
• Care managers and supervisors
• Advocates supporting people who need care

Practical benefits
• Develop awareness of the importance of adequate nutrition and hydration
• Recognise common risks associated with dehydration and undernutrition
• Understand factors that may prevent individuals from eating or drinking sufficiently
• Identify ways to encourage and motivate people to meet their nutritional needs
• Recognise how practical aids and the care environment can support eating and drinking
• Understand the importance of personal hygiene, handwashing and safety
• Appreciate cultural and religious considerations when supporting individual needs
• Recognise when concerns or changes should be reported
• Support more consistent and person-centred care practices

What learners will be able to do
• Explain key principles associated with providing fluids and nutrition
• Recognise the risks and signs of dehydration and undernutrition
• Understand why some individuals may experience difficulties with eating or drinking
• Identify factors that can affect nutritional and hydration needs
• Understand how encouragement, practical aids and environmental adjustments can help
• Recognise the importance of personal hygiene and safe practices
• Consider cultural and religious needs when supporting individuals
• Understand when specialist advice may be appropriate
• Recognise concerns and changes that need to be reported
• Apply appropriate good-practice principles within the boundaries of their role

Assessment and certificate
Learners complete an online quiz to assess their understanding of the course content. On successful completion, they receive a free CPD-accredited digital certificate, which can be downloaded or printed. The course takes approximately 1 hour to complete and is worth 1 CPD point. Unlimited assessment retakes are available.