Dehydration can kill

An introductory session into the benefits of good hydration in older people

• Understand the role of fluid in the body• The importance of enough fluid daily• Recognise the signs and risks of dehydration

Session Objectives

"Water is a basic nutrient of the human body and is critical to human life”

World Health Organization - Water Sanitation and Health (WSH)

http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/en/

Water is essential to life

Almost 700 deaths in 5 years in care homes due to dehydration

How many of you have drunk a glass of water today ?

Hydration Awareness Quiz

• Correct hydration alone could lead to savings of £0.95 billion

• i.e in Leeds - Dehydration as the primary cause of treatment cost the local health care trusts £1.4 million in 2009

• 30% of people admitted to hospital are dehydrated

The Cost of Dehydration

• Primary role to satisfy your thirst

• Dissolves substances in our bodies• Acts as coolant, lubricant and transport agent• Regulates body temperature• Carries nutrients• Removes toxins and waste materials• Medium for cellular reactions ( all cells need water)

Role of Fluids in the Body

Water is lost daily:• Breathing• Sweat• Urine• Faeces

Point to remember -The older the person the greatest risk of

dehydration.Often becoming dehydrated before they know it.

What happens to the fluid we drink

• Thirst• Urine –

– ColourOdourPainful Reduced frequent

• Dizziness• Fatigue• Clumsiness• Aching joints• Falling

Identifying Dehydration

• Skin flushing• Shriveled skin• Dry skin, mouth or chapped lips• Furrowed tongue• Dry and/or sunken eyes• Constipation• Drop in blood pressure• Rise in pulse• Weight loss.

Identifying Dehydration

• Loss of appetite• Difficulty swallowing• Lack of fluid intake• Headache• Drowsiness• Heat intolerance• Nausea and vomiting• Absence of sweat • Changes in mental status - confused

Identifying Dehydration

• RemindersUse posters fromWater UK website.

They need at least 1.6 litres of fluid per day – 8 x 8 oz. cups .. the same as you!

The heavier the person the more fluid they need

People in Care

What are the problems and barriers to those you support not drinking enough water

throughout the day ?

• Plan the water intakeToilets accessible

Go before the urge is too greatReduce before bedtime

• More fluid reduces the need to goIt’s not as concentrated!

Fear of an Accident

• Pressure Sores• Constipation• Urinary Infections & Continence• Kidney & Gallstones• Heart Disease• Low Blood Pressure

Dehydration is linked with ....

• Diabetes• Reduced Cognitive Impairment – Mental performance– Confusion

• Falls• Hospitalisation in older people– Increased length with heart disease – Mortality increases two fold with strokes

• Skin• Cancer – water helps dilute the toxins

Dehydration is linked with …

• Ensure fluids are freely available• Physically accessible• Encourage service users to drink –especially

between meals• Consume more fruit & veg which are approx

80-90% water

The role of you the carer

• Have fluids readily available• Explain that decreasing fluid intake does not decrease

incontinence• Offer fluids after providing care• Offer type/temperature of fluids people like• Involve family members• Offer small amounts of fluid frequently• Offer ice cubes• Provide good oral hygiene• Encourage people to drink all fluids offered with meals and medication• Encourage fluid-rich foods

How to increase fluid intake

• Use lightweight water jug and cup• Use assistive drinking devices • Offer assistance if needed• Offer full cup of water with medications• Use verbal prompts when needed• Position person properly in order they can drink• Monitor room temperature• Add cup holders to wheelchairs• Give people water bottles to carry around• Take fluids on outings and offer frequently• Include beverage break in all activities

How to increase fluid intake

• Less urine / incontinence to deal with• Less complex issues / support plans

The benefits to you

• Encourage service users to drink regularly .. Especially between meals

• Drink a variety of fluids• Drink enough fluid through out the day

..and remember the more active they are the more fluid they need.

Increase fluids during acute illness & hot weather.

Bottom slide !

Any Questions ?

internet details

www.thenacc.co.ukwww.water.org.uk

Thankyou