Why Staying Hydrated is Vital for Body, Mind and Quality of Life

As we mark Hydration Week in our Aberdeenshire Care Homes, it's the perfect time to reflect on one of the most fundamental aspects of health and wellbeing - staying properly hydrated. For those of us working in care across Scotland, understanding the critical role of hydration isn't just professional knowledge; it's about enriching the lives of those we serve every single day.

Why Hydration Matters More Than We Think

Water makes up approximately 60% of our body weight, yet many of us don't fully appreciate just how vital proper hydration is for our physical and mental wellbeing.

According to NHS guidelines:

"The Eatwell Guide recommends that people should aim to drink 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluid a day. Water, lower-fat milk and sugar-free drinks, including tea and coffee, all count."

But hydration goes far beyond simply preventing thirst. Proper fluid intake supports every system in our body - from maintaining healthy blood pressure and supporting kidney function to regulating body temperature and ensuring our brains function optimally.

The Unique Challenges in Care Settings

In care environments, maintaining adequate hydration becomes even more crucial, yet paradoxically more challenging. As we age, our bodies naturally hold less water, our sense of thirst diminishes, and various health conditions can affect both our desire to drink and our body's ability to retain fluids effectively.

The British Dietetic Association emphasises that in care settings, we must "offer plenty of food choice" and ensure residents "have access to regular snacks throughout the day" - and this principle extends equally to fluid intake. Just as we wouldn't expect someone to eat the same meal every day, we shouldn't expect them to be satisfied with water alone.

Recognising the Signs: When Hydration Becomes Critical

Dehydration can be particularly dangerous for older adults, often developing gradually and going unnoticed until it becomes severe. The signs aren't always obvious - confusion, increased risk of falls, urinary tract infections, and even mood changes can all be linked to inadequate fluid intake.

At Meallmore, our person-centred approach means we understand that each resident has unique needs and preferences. Some may prefer their tea at a specific temperature, others might enjoy flavoured water, and many find comfort in the social aspect of sharing a cup of tea with family or friends.

The Mental Health Connection

What many people don't realise is the profound connection between hydration and mental wellbeing. Even mild dehydration can affect concentration, mood, and cognitive function. For residents living with dementia, maintaining proper hydration becomes even more critical, as dehydration can exacerbate confusion and agitation.

Research consistently shows that proper hydration supports brain function, helping to maintain clarity of thought and emotional stability. In our care homes, we've seen firsthand how ensuring residents stay well-hydrated contributes to their overall quality of life and sense of wellbeing.

Creating a Culture of Hydration

Adequate hydration in care isn't just about offering drinks at set times - it's about creating an environment where drinking fluids becomes a natural, enjoyable part of daily life. This means understanding individual preferences, making drinks easily accessible, and recognising that hydration can be both nutritious and pleasurable.

The Care Inspectorate's guidance on "Eating and Drinking Well in Care" emphasises the importance of tailored approaches. Some residents may prefer to drink small amounts frequently throughout the day, while others may opt for larger amounts less frequently. Some may need encouragement, while others might need gentle reminders.

Practical Strategies for Better Hydration

Creating effective hydration strategies requires both professional expertise and genuine care. Here are some approaches that work well in practice:

• Variety is Key: Offering different types of drinks throughout the day - from traditional tea and coffee to fruit juices, smoothies, and flavoured waters - ensures there's something appealing for everyone.
• Social Hydration: Making drinking a social activity, whether it's afternoon tea with family or sharing a morning coffee with fellow residents, can significantly increase fluid intake while enhancing social connections.
• Monitoring with Compassion: Using food and fluid charts thoughtfully, as recommended by NHS guidance, helps identify patterns and potential issues while respecting individual dignity and choice.
• Environmental Considerations: Ensuring drinks are at the right temperature, in appropriate containers, and easily accessible makes a significant difference to intake levels.

Supporting Families and Loved Ones

Hydration isn't just a concern for care professionals - families often worry about whether their loved ones are drinking enough. Open communication about hydration strategies, involving families in understanding their relative's preferences, and providing reassurance about the measures in place can help ease these concerns.

Regular updates about eating and drinking patterns, celebrating small victories (like a resident trying a new type of herbal tea), and involving families in hydration planning all contribute to a collaborative approach that benefits everyone.

The Meallmore Difference

At Meallmore, our nearly 40 years of experience has taught us that excellent hydration care comes from understanding each person as an individual. Our dedicated teams across our 27 homes work tirelessly to ensure that staying hydrated is never a chore but rather an integral part of daily life that supports both physical health and emotional wellbeing.

Our commitment to creating "great places to live and work" means that hydration is woven into everything we do - from our carefully planned menus to our social activities, from our staff training to our family communications.

Looking Forward: A Commitment to Excellence

As we continue to grow and evolve, with exciting developments like our new Pitfodels Wood Care Home opening in Aberdeen, our commitment to excellence in hydration care remains unwavering. We understand that proper hydration is fundamental to the quality of life we provide, and we're constantly seeking new ways to make drinking fluids an enjoyable and natural part of each day.

This Hydration Week, let's celebrate not just the importance of staying hydrated but the countless ways we can make this essential aspect of care both effective and enjoyable. After all, when we get hydration right, we're not just supporting physical health - we're enriching lives, one sip at a time.