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Hydration Best PracticeMaking a difference
Water is important• Water is essential to health, and is one of six
basic nutrients for life, but is often overlooked• Medical evidence shows that good hydration can
assist in the management and prevent of many medical conditions
• The provision of drinking water can reduce the risk or potential of harm to people
Health benefits
• Pressure UlcersPoorly hydrated individuals are twice as likely to develop pressure ulcers because dehydration reduces the padding over bony points. Fluid intake to correct impaired hydration increases levels of tissue
oxygen and enhances ulcer healing.
Health Benefits
• ConstipationInadequate fluid intake is one of the most frequent
causes of constipation. It is more frequent in the incapacitated or institutionalised older people,
estimated to affect some 42% of patients admitted to elderly care wards.
Health Benefits• Urinary tract infections and continence
Water helps to maintain a healthy urinary tract and kidneys. Maintaining adequate hydration levels, rather than high fluid intake, per se, is important in the prevention of urinary tract
infection. Evidence show that the restriction of overall fluid intake does not reduce urinary incontinence frequency or severity.
Health Benefits• Kidney and gallstones
Good hydration can reduce the risk of kidney stone formation by 39% because dilute urine helps to prevent crystallization of
stone-forming salts. Consumption of water at regular intervals can also help by diluting bile and stimulating gallbladder
emptying, which in turn helps to prevent gallstone formation.
Health Benefits• Heart disease
Adequate hydration reduces the risk of coronary heart disease by 46% in men and 59% in women. It also protects against blood clot formation by decreasing
blood viscosity
Health Benefits• Low blood pressure
Many older people suffer a drop in blood pressure on standing, which sometimes causes them to pass out. Drinking a glass of water 5 minutes before standing
helps to stabilise blood pressure and prevents fainting.
Health Benefits• Diabetes
Water is an essential part of the dietary management of diabetes since dehydration can worsen diabetic control. In poorly
controlled diabetic individuals, high urine output can increase the risk of dehydration. Good hydration levels also help slow down
the development of diabetic ketoacidosis during insulin deficiency in Type 1 diabetes and help maintain healthy blood
sugar levels.
Health Benefits• Cognitive impairment
Dehydration adversely affects mental performance. Symptoms of mild dehydration include light-headedness, dizziness,
headaches and tiredness, as well as reduced alertness and ability to concentrate. Once thirst is felt (0.8-2% dehydration),
mental function may be affected by as much as 10%.
Health Benefits• FallsDehydration has been identified as one of the risk factors for falls in
older people, since it can lead to a deterioration in mental state, and increase the risk of dizziness and fainting. The maintenance of adequate levels of hydration in older people could be effective
in preventing falls.
Future Challenges• Raising awareness of
the issues of dehydration in hospitals and the community
• Patient Safety Hydration Best Practice Award
• Hosted by HCA• Presented in April• Hydration and Well-
being Award• NACC Award• Presented in September
One winner
• The Martins Methodist Homes for the Aged• Part of a pilot study with Anglican Water• 42 residents, 22 with dementia• Established a ‘Drinking Water Club’• Nine residents aged between 80 – 93• Seven week study measuring the impact of
increased water consumption
What they did • Recorded fluid intake and output• Recorded toilet trips• Residents answered questions on: The impact on their overall health Sleep Continence Concentration Energy levels Balance
The results• Benefits reported by the residents:• Generally feeling better• Steadier on feet/less dizzy• Improved sleeping patterns and ability to sleep
undisturbed throughout the night• More energy• Benefits reported by the staff• Reduction in laxative use by at least 50%• Reduction in falls by at least 50%• Decreased GP call outs
