Dehydration advice ahead of heatwave

With temperatures expected to soar in the coming days, Care UK has republished a free booklet with advice on keeping residents hydrated.

Teams across its 152 care homes are already using the guide, which includes recipes, tips and advice. Recipes, which have been tried and tested by Care UK residents, include a range of garnished waters, mocktails, strawberry iced tea and fruit purée drinks.

As well as drinks, the booklet also helps people find out more about how different foods can help with hydration – this is of particular importance in those who may be reluctant to drink. For example, the book shows how a ripe tomato is actually 94%  water, cauliflower is 87% and melon 90%.

It covers every aspect of hydration, from why older people are more likely to suffer from dehydration to how to create safer drinks for people who have problems with normal swallowing.

Care UK’s hotel services manager James Clear says: “Every single person working in our homes has a role to play in ensuring that people living there are properly hydrated. From a maintenance person sitting down with a resident for a mid-morning cuppa to a carer encouraging people to have a piece of fruit as a snack, every interaction helps.”

When asked what his top hydration tips were for those caring for loved ones in their own home, Clear adds: “Think about presentation of their drinks. That might be making sure a favourite mug or glass is always used. If it can be done safely – give cold drinks a garnish with fruit slices or herbs. And for hot weather, make sure drinks are served nice and chilled. There’s research from the National Association of Care Catering which demonstrates seeing the condensation droplets running down a glass or jug can actually trigger our thirst mechanisms. But always be careful of any choking risk from ice or garnishes.”

Download the booklet from here.

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