8 Tips for Improving Hydration in Nursing Homes

Staying hydrated is essential for overall health. When you consider that upwards of 70% of our body weight is made up of water, it is easy to understand why we need water to survive. Water helps the body flush out waste, regulates temperature, and provides lubrication for joints.

All of that makes proper hydration especially vital for nursing home residents.

How big of an issue is dehydration for nursing home residents?

My Nursing Home Abuse Guide reports that adults aged 65 and older are at a greater risk of suffering from dehydration. Recurring dehydration can result in dry skin, swollen feet, loss of appetite, constipation, and headaches. In more severe situations, dehydration can result in slurred speech, irritability, high heart rate, delirium, hallucinations, and seizures.

If you have a loved one living in a nursing home, you are still considered their primary caregiver even though you’ve delegated their day-to-day care to the staff.

There is nothing wrong with asking about the nursing home’s standards for providing proper hydration for the residents. The following eight tips for improving hydration can be a part of that plan.

1. Keep Water in the Rooms

There should be a minimum of a 16-ounce pitcher of fresh water and cups within reach of your loved one. It can be on their overbed table or nightstand. Having access will encourage drinking. It will also help if the pitcher has hash marks to help the staff keep track of how much has been consumed.

2. Make Drinks Available Outside the Rooms

Many residents enjoy socializing and participating in activities during the day. Any common room or activity space should have fully stocked drink carts that residents can easily access when they’re out of their rooms.

3. Consider Fluid Alternatives

Medical experts, like those at the Mayo Clinic, recommend that men drink about 15 cups of fluids daily and women drink 11 cups daily. The keyword there is “fluids.” Depending on the nutritional needs of your loved one, they could be offered alternative fluids throughout the day, including juices, tea, and coffee.

4. Think Beyond Liquids

Some residents prefer to eat rather than constantly drink. Foods with high water content can provide benefits for eating and drinking fluids. Consider items like low-sodium broth, consommé, or pureed veggies. For a treat, Jell-O, ice cream, and sherbet would also be considered liquid-based.

5. Limit Dehydrating Foods

Speaking of eating, certain high-sodium foods can leach water from the body. The same can be said for foods high in sugar, artificial sweeteners, or caffeine. Those should be swapped out for hydrating foods like fresh fruit and vegetables. If something is “juicy,” it’s good! For some residents, softening up the pieces in a microwave for 10 seconds can make them more chewable.

6. Provide Modified Cups for Residents with Dysphagia

Dysphagia is a condition associated with difficulty swallowing. That can discourage drinking and encourage dehydration. Fortunately, there are specially designed cups that help users tuck in their chins when drinking liquids.

7. Watch Out for Diuretics

You should be familiar with all the medications your loved one is being administered in their nursing home. You need to take special notice of any diuretic. These medications are typically prescribed to reduce edema, which ironically is a buildup of fluids. However, they can trigger dehydration.

8. Consider Electrolyte Water

When a person becomes dehydrated, their electrolytes are out of balance, which can trigger bouts of arrhythmia and cardiac arrest. Many water options include electrolytes. These should not be sports drinks loaded with sugar. Instead, look for water with electrolyte additives that also provide potassium.

Communication Is Key

Communication between the staff and your loved one is key to proper hydration. You can’t be there, but you can ensure plenty of fluids are accessible for your loved one.

When you check in, ask them what they had to drink that day. Having them keep track of their fluid intake can also be a good task for them.

You’ll find more helpful resources about nursing home care at My Nursing Home Abuse Guide.