Hydration

Some individuals may need further support to stay hydrated. For example:

  • Choose a cup suitable for the resident –they may prefer to use a straw.
  • Support and encouragement to maintain fluid intake throughout the day.
  • It could be as simple as set drink routines rather than relying on thirst alone.
  • Jelly and other food rich in fluid can be offered to increase fluid intake if the resident doesn’t want to drink.
  • Encourage fluids when giving care at night.

Signs of Dehydration

  • Thirst
  • Dark Urine
  • Irritability
  • Sunken Eyes
  • Confusion
  • Cool hands or feet
  • Low blood pressure
  • Raised heart rate
  • Headaches

If a person has AKI they may pass less urine than usual, or pass no urine at all

Click here for the HCPA dehydration and hydration posters


The I-Hydrate Project 

The I-Hydrate project aims to improve hydration in older people in care homes. They have created some useful resources for care home providers which can be downloaded for free.

Click here to view the I-Hydrate resources


UTI’s

-The reason for 1–3% of all GP consultations
-About 1 in 3 women will have at least one UTI by 24 years of age
– About 1 in 2 women will be treated for a symptomatic UTI during their lifetime
– The annual incidence of UTI in women increases with age
– Escherichia coli account for about 80% of UTIs

Click here for the UKHSA and NHS UTI toolkit

Past webinar resources

Urinary Tract infections – 18th October 2023

Click here for the webinar recording
Click here for the webinar slides

Urinary Catheter care – 24th October 2023

Click here for the webinar recording
Click here for the webinar slides