Reducing dehydration in residents of care homes

Nurs Times. 2015;111(34-35):16-9.

Abstract

Dehydration can have serious consequences for older people and is a particular problem for residents of nursing and care homes. This article, the second in a two-part series, describes how a specialist care home for people with dementia in Great Yarmouth introduced high-quality hydration care to frail residents. By involving all staff and ensuring residents take a litre of fluid by the end of a relaxed and extended breakfast, staff have reduced anxiety and aggression and created a calmer and more sociable atmosphere. This has benefitted residents, visitors and staff, and is reflected in low levels of unplanned hospital admissions and paramedic call-outs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Dehydration / nursing
  • Dehydration / prevention & control*
  • England
  • Health Services for the Aged*
  • Humans
  • Nursing Homes*
  • State Medicine