Our care team at The Somerset Care Centre in Somerset West, spend a lot of time each day ensuring that our residents drink adequate amounts of fluids.
As a person gets older, the sense of thirst is diminished and may not be a reliable gauge of fluid requirements. Additionally, someone with cognitive impairment (dementia) may not be able to express or communicate when they need something to drink. When a person does not take in enough liquid, they become dehydrated – and for an older person, the consequences of dehydration can be serious.
- Increased mortality – Increased risk of emergency admission to hospital – or of repeated admissions
- Impaired cognitive function (confusion)
- Increased risk of falls
- Salivary dysfunction (dry mouth – which affects eating)
- Increased possibility of urinary tract infections
- Increased risk of pressure injuries
- Poor hyperglycaemic control in diabetes
We encourage adequate fluid intake by offering our residents drinks that they enjoy.
Last week, carer Cherelda, arranged for our kitchen to make strawberry smoothie-milkshakes. Not only were they healthy – they were a great hit and something we will include on our menu on a regular basis.