Improving fluid consumption of older people in care homes: an exploration of the factors contributing to under-hydration

Wilson, Jennie ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4713-9662, Tingle, Alison, Bak, Aggie, Greene, Carolynn ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1170-376X, Tsiami, Amalia ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1122-4814 and Loveday, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2259-8149 (2020) Improving fluid consumption of older people in care homes: an exploration of the factors contributing to under-hydration. Nursing & Residential Care, 22 (3). pp. 139-146. ISSN 1465-9301

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Abstract

Background: Age-related changes which occur in older people put them at risk of dehydration and care home residents are particularly vulnerable. Evidence suggests that hydration care in this setting may be inadequate, but few UK studies have explored the extent of the problem. Aim: To determine the amount of fluids care home residents received and consumed, and identify the barriers and facilitators to optimising hydration care in two private nursing homes to inform the design and implementation of a subsequent service improvement initiative. Methods: A pragmatic descriptive observational design using multiple data collection methods. Results: Mean fluid intake was 1031ml/day; with 50% of residents offered more than 1500ml/day. Residents in communal areas received more drinks than those in their own rooms (74.8% vs 42.6%), and overall residents consumed 69% of fluids they were offered. Those who required assistance to drink consumed the least amount of fluids. Conclusion: Adequately hydrating older people is essential if associated morbidity and hospital admissions are to be prevented. This study has identified the challenges experienced by care homes and residents in meeting this fundamental care need. It demonstrates the importance of a coherent strategy to improve hydration in this population.

Item Type: Article
Identifier: 10.12968/nrec.2020.22.3.139
Additional Information: This document is the Accepted Manuscript version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in Nursing & Residential Care, copyright © MA Healthcare, after peer review and technical editing by the publisher. To access the final edited and published work see https://doi.org/10.12968/nrec.2020.22.3.139.
Subjects: Medicine and health > Health promotion and public health
Related URLs:
Depositing User: Jennie Wilson
Date Deposited: 28 Jan 2020 10:10
Last Modified: 06 Feb 2024 16:01
URI: https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/6717

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