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Dehydration can kill

Dehydration can kill. An introductory session into the benefits of good hydration in older people. Session Objectives. Understand the role of fluid in the body The importance of enough fluid daily Recognise the signs and risks of dehydration. Water is essential to life.

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Dehydration can kill

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  1. Dehydration can kill An introductory session into the benefits of good hydration in older people

  2. Session Objectives • Understand the role of fluid in the body • The importance of enough fluid daily • Recognise the signs and risks of dehydration

  3. Water is essential to life "Water is a basic nutrient of the human body and is critical to human life” World Health Organization - Water Sanitation and Health (WSH) http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/en/

  4. Almost 700 deaths in 5 years in care homes due to dehydration

  5. How many of you have drunk a glass of water today ?

  6. Hydration Awareness Quiz

  7. The Cost of Dehydration • Correct hydration alone could lead to savings of £0.95 billion • i.e in Leeds - Dehydration as the primary cause of treatment cost the local health care trusts £1.4 million in 2009 • 30% of people admitted to hospital are dehydrated

  8. Role of Fluids in the Body • Primary role to satisfy your thirst • Dissolves substances in our bodies • Acts as coolant, lubricant and transport agent • Regulates body temperature • Carries nutrients • Removes toxins and waste materials • Medium for cellular reactions ( all cells need water)

  9. What happens to the fluid we drink Water is lost daily: • Breathing • Sweat • Urine • Faeces Point to remember - The older the person the greatest risk of dehydration. Often becoming dehydrated before they know it.

  10. Identifying Dehydration • Thirst • Urine – • Colour Odour Painful Reduced frequent • Dizziness • Fatigue • Clumsiness • Aching joints • Falling

  11. Identifying Dehydration • Skin flushing • Shriveled skin • Dry skin, mouth or chapped lips • Furrowed tongue • Dry and/or sunken eyes • Constipation • Drop in blood pressure • Rise in pulse • Weight loss.

  12. Identifying Dehydration • Loss of appetite • Difficulty swallowing • Lack of fluid intake • Headache • Drowsiness • Heat intolerance • Nausea and vomiting • Absence of sweat • Changes in mental status - confused

  13. Reminders Use posters from Water UK website.

  14. People in Care They need at least 1.6 litres of fluid per day – 8 x 8 oz. cups .. the same as you! The heavier the person the more fluid they need

  15. What are the problems and barriers to those you support not drinking enough water throughout the day ?

  16. Fear of an Accident • Plan the water intake • Toilets accessible • Go before the urge is too great • Reduce before bedtime • More fluid reduces the need to go • It’s not as concentrated!

  17. Dehydration is linked with .... • Pressure Sores • Constipation • Urinary Infections & Continence • Kidney & Gallstones • Heart Disease • Low Blood Pressure

  18. Dehydration is linked with … • Diabetes • Reduced Cognitive Impairment • Mental performance • Confusion • Falls • Hospitalisation in older people • Increased length with heart disease • Mortality increases two fold with strokes • Skin • Cancer – water helps dilute the toxins

  19. The role of you the carer • Ensure fluids are freely available • Physically accessible • Encourage service users to drink –especially between meals • Consume more fruit & veg which are approx 80-90% water

  20. How to increase fluid intake • Have fluids readily available • Explain that decreasing fluid intake does not decrease incontinence • Offer fluids after providing care • Offer type/temperature of fluids people like • Involve family members • Offer small amounts of fluid frequently • Offer ice cubes • Provide good oral hygiene • Encourage people to drink all fluids offered with meals and medication • Encourage fluid-rich foods

  21. How to increase fluid intake • Use lightweight water jug and cup • Use assistive drinking devices • Offer assistance if needed • Offer full cup of water with medications • Use verbal prompts when needed • Position person properly in order they can drink • Monitor room temperature • Add cup holders to wheelchairs • Give people water bottles to carry around • Take fluids on outings and offer frequently • Include beverage break in all activities

  22. The benefits to you • Less urine / incontinence to deal with • Less complex issues / support plans

  23. Bottom slide ! • Encourage service users to drink regularly .. Especially between meals • Drink a variety of fluids • Drink enough fluid through out the day ..and remember the more active they are the more fluid they need. Increase fluids during acute illness & hot weather.

  24. Thankyou Any Questions ? internet details www.thenacc.co.uk www.water.org.uk

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