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Empowering carers to combat dehydration in older adults

Andrew Coles, chief product officer at Person Centred Software, explains how digital care systems can play a vital role in helping carers and healthcare professionals identify residents requiring more fluids or nutrients, and thus take appropriate action

Good hydration and nutrition are essential for maintaining optimum health and wellbeing, preventing illness, and improving recovery after illness. In social and health care settings, it is increasingly important to shine a spotlight on the fundamental need to ensure that older adults in care are adequately hydrated and are given access to the required nutrients and minerals that contribute towards a healthy and fulfilling life. 

It is common knowledge that people become more at risk of dehydration as they age; as the body goes through the normal process of ageing, its sense of thirst diminishes. So, it is essential that care providers recognise the signs of dehydration and ensure that residents are kept hydrated. For example, older adults can sometimes be physically frail, with reduced mobility and activity, making getting a drink and using the toilet more challenging. Due to this, they might avoid drinking enough liquids to maintain the right fluid balance, preventing the need to go to the bathroom later. Additionally, those with poor memory, cognitive impairments, or mental health conditions, may need to be reminded to keep hydrated.

Older adults are more likely to end up in hospital if they become dehydrated, and dehydration can be linked to an increased risk of mortality. Even mild dehydration can adversely affect mental performance and contribute to fatigue, with cognitive functions such as memory, reaction time, attention, and concentration affected. Additionally, dehydration can cause low blood pressure, dizziness, weakness, and an increased risk of falls.

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Upcoming Events

Kent & Medway Registered Manager Conference for Kent Care Providers

Kent County Showground, Detling, Maidstone ME14 3JF
10th October 2023

Care Show Birmingham 2023

National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham
11th October - 12th October 2023

Care Roadshow South

Epsom Downs Racecourse, Epsom
17th October 2023

Dementia Summit

The King’s Fund, No.11 Cavendish Square, London, W1G 0AN
Tuesday 31st October 2023

Kent and Medway Care Sector Digital Event

Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel, ME17 1RE
8th November 2023

Care Roadshow Wales

Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff
14th November 2023

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