Wellbeing
water bottles that attach to their bed, chair, walking frame or wheelchair for easy access.
There are more complex solutions to support hydration, such as Obli, a sensor-controlled device that reminds the individual to drink. It can be programmed remotely or directly, and the data it collects feeds into a central site for monitoring purposes. Investments in staff hydration initiatives can boost awareness, from simple water bottles to hydration apps such as iDrated Water, which allows one to track daily water consumption on a mobile phone.
Introducing hydration champions or ambassadors can help drive improvements in this area and maintain the focus on ensuring residents are well hydrated until a change in habits becomes permanent.
Conclusion
Until there is a standardised process for training, procedure, protocols and policy, identifying and managing hydration will remain a key area of concern for the health and social care sector, especially in care homes. Hydration is key to securing good health and enhancing
quality of life, and optimal hydration for residents can be achieved by following just a few simple steps.
TCHE
References 1 Schols JMGA, De Groot CPGM, Van der Cammen TJM, Olde Rikkert MGM. Preventing and treating dehydration in the elderly during periods of illness and warm weather. J Nutr Health Aging 2008; 13 (2): 150-57.
2 Robinson SB1, Rosher RB. Can a beverage cart help improve hydration? Geriatr Nurs 2002; 23(4): 208-11.
3 Wotton K, Crannitch K, Munt R. Prevalence, risk factors and strategies to prevent dehydration in older adults. Contemp Nurse 2008; 31 (1): 44-56.
4 NHS Choices. Dehydration – Symptoms. NHS Choices, 2015. [
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/ Dehydration/Pages/
Symptoms.aspx].
5 The Caroline Walker Trust. Eating Well for Older People: Practical and nutritional guidelines for food in residential and nursing homes and for community meals. Report of an Expert Working Group. The Caroline Walker Trust, 1995.
Resources l The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) [
www.thenacc.co.uk].
l The Health Foundation [
www.health.org.uk]. Sophie Murray
Sophie Murray is the award-winning head of nutrition and hydration for Sunrise Senior Living UK and Gracewell Healthcare, a role that links care and catering to promote a responsive high standard of dining and food. She has been a registered nurse for over 20 years and is a nutritionist as well as a former restaurateur.
May 2017 •
www.thecarehomeenvironment .com
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