NCCAP Gets Invitation from CMS to Attend the Hydration/Nutrition Campaign Meeting

In September 2002, NCCAP attended the Hydration/Nutrition Campaign meeting in Washington, DC. This campaign addressed the need for improved hydration and nutrition for our nation's seniors in institutionalized settings. A mass mailing called a "fact pact" was distributed last year to health care facilities to the attention of the "primary staff" to include the directors of nursing and administrators. What was brought to the forefront was the fact that, in most successful cases of improved hydration, the activity department was the stimulus that facilitated this improvement. The enhanced dining programs increased distribution of fluids during activities and implemented the use of tea carts and so on. Input was given at the next stage of this campaign with regard to the significance of activity's role in implementing the hydration programs within health care facilities. The activity profession is definitely viewed as an integral part of the success of this and other programs throughout the industry. NN