Nutrition and Hydration Week 2024
Good Hydration, the key to positive health and well-being
The importance of adequate hydration for older individuals cannot be overstated. Dehydration poses significant health risks, especially among the elderly, yet it often receives minimal attention and can be forgotten when evaluating to good health and well-being. Addressing this need whilst providing high-quality home care is crucial for improving care to individuals we support.
Identifying dehydration in older individuals presents challenges due to the lack of a universally effective screening method. There are typical monitoring methods, such as urine colour assessment and fluid monitoring commonly used but have limitations as normally these are present once a lack of suitable hydration has taken place or a significant health incident has happened that has resulted in the needs for hydration to be monitored.
One of the most common concerns due to dehydration is a urinary tract infection (UTI) and the symptoms can include tummy pain, blood in your urine, confusion and/or a temperature, if you are concerned about someone having a UTI get medical support as soon as possible.
Hydration is a key aspect of maintaining good health and well-being. The human body relies on water to function correctly, and adequate hydration is essential for numerous bodily processes, including include improved physical and cognitive function, regulation of body temperature, digestive health, and kidney function. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining energy levels, concentration, and overall cognitive function. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and impaired cognitive performance. This is particularly crucial for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and individuals with disabilities, who may face challenges in staying properly hydrated.
To address these challenges, SCA Care has hydration policies in place and personalised care plans based on each individual’s preference, training staff on dehydration symptoms, and supports our customers on the importance of staying hydrated. SCA Care also combine regular monitoring into routine care protocols and prioritises hydration as part of their care approach, SCA Home care can help improve customers’ quality of life and prevent dehydration-related complications.
We can support your loved one to ensure not only a good quality of life, but, also do all we can to prevent unnecessary admissions to hospital.
Giving you the peace of mind that you need when choosing a home care provider in Southampton.