Helping Older Adults Stay Hydrated This Summer
Practical tips to help older adults in Central Manchester stay hydrated and healthy this summer.
Are You Drinking Enough? Why Hydration Is a Lifeline for Older Adults in Central Manchester
In July, warmer weather can quietly increase the risk of dehydration, especially for older adults living at home in Central Manchester. For those managing conditions like dementia, Parkinson’s or reduced mobility, staying hydrated isn’t always straightforward. At Home Instead Central Manchester, we help older people maintain comfort and wellbeing through thoughtful care that includes regular drinks, hydrating meals and personalised daily routines. This blog looks at how hydration supports healthy ageing, which drinks and foods help or hinder, and how families and carers can encourage lasting, simple habits to support someone’s health this summer. For more information on the risks of poor nutrition and hydration, visit theNHS guide to malnutrition.
At Home Instead Central Manchester, we believe good hydration is essential to ageing well. In the sections below, we share practical tips on supporting fluid intake, choosing helpful foods and drinks, and recognising when someone might need a little extra support.
Why Hydration and Nutrition Matter More as We Age
As we grow older, natural changes in our body reduce our sense of thirst and appetite. Add in factors like medications, memory problems, chronic conditions, or limited mobility, and staying well-fed and well-hydrated can become much harder.
In fact, according to BAPEN, nearly 3 million adults in the UK are malnourished or at risk, and one-third of them are over 65. In Greater Manchester alone, around 1 in 7 older adults are affected. It’s more than missing the occasional meal. The effects can be far-reaching if left unaddressed.
Common Effects of Malnutrition and Dehydration:
- Increased risk of falls
- Urinary tract infections
- Confusion, forgetfulness, and poor concentration
- Fatigue and low mood
- Constipation and skin problems
- Slower healing and longer hospital stays
And while malnutrition might sound like an issue confined to care homes or low-income households, it happens in all types of homes, particularly where someone is living alone, experiencing appetite loss, or struggling with food preparation.
What Dehydration Looks Like in Older Adults
Dehydration is sometimes called a “silent threat.” It creeps in quietly and is easy to overlook. Someone might be drinking less because they’re worried about needing the loo too often, they dislike the taste of plain water, or they’re simply not thirsty.
But in older people, even mild dehydration can have a noticeable impact and may require extra attention.
Warning Signs to Watch For:
- Dry mouth and lips
- Strong-smelling or dark-coloured urine
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Headaches or confusion
- Constipation
- Sunken eyes or dry skin
If someone shows several of these signs, it’s important to act promptly—reintroducing fluids gently and seeking medical help if symptoms persist.
The Best Ways to Stay Hydrated
Helping someone stay hydrated isn’t just about offering another glass of water. For older adults—especially those with dementia, swallowing difficulties, or low appetite, it needs to be easy, appealing, and a regular part of the day.
Simple Hydration Tips That Work:
- Keep drinks within reach: Place water or juice next to their favourite chair or bedside table.
- Use familiar mugs or cups: A favourite cup can help overcome reluctance.
- Offer drinks little and often: Sips during visits, with medication, and throughout meals.
- Flavour the water: Add slices of lemon, cucumber, or a splash of cordial for variety.
- Use hydration charts or reminders: Particularly helpful for those with memory issues.
- Pair drinks with snacks: Water with fruit, tea with toast, or a milkshake with pudding.
Carers from Home Instead Central Manchester are trained to integrate these hydration strategies into a person’s daily routine—making sure drinking is easy, pleasant, and never an afterthought.
Foods That Help Keep You Hydrated
Fluids aren’t the only source of hydration. Many foods have high water content and can make a real difference, especially if drinking is a struggle.
Hydrating Foods to Include:
- Cucumbers – around 95% water
- Tomatoes – great in salads or on toast
- Melon and berries – soft, sweet, and easy to eat
- Soups and broths – warming and hydrating
- Jelly and yoghurt – ideal for soft diets
- Porridge with milk – hydrating and comforting
Soft textures can also help those with chewing or swallowing difficulties enjoy their meals again.
What to Avoid: Foods and Drinks That Can Dehydrate
Some common food and drink choices can actually reduce hydration or irritate the bladder, making things worse rather than better.
What to Watch Out For:
- Caffeinated drinks – Tea and coffee are fine in moderation but can cause dehydration if consumed excessively.
- Alcohol – Dehydrating and can interact with medication.
- High-sodium foods – Processed meats, ready meals, and salty snacks can increase fluid loss.
- Sugary drinks – Fizzy pop and sweetened juices may affect blood sugar levels and reduce appetite for nourishing options.
Older adults should be supported to make gentle swaps over time, water with a slice of lemon instead of another cup of tea, or a light homemade soup in place of salty instant noodles.
How Carers and Family Members Can Help
At Home Instead Central Manchester, our care professionals play a key role in supporting nutrition and hydration. We understand that eating and drinking well isn’t always easy—but with patience, encouragement, and routine, we help older adults regain confidence around food and fluid intake.
Our Home Care Support Includes:
- Meal preparation tailored to personal tastes and dietary needs
- Reminders to eat and drink throughout the day
- Observation of changes in appetite, weight, or fluid intake
- Encouragement and companionship during meals
- Mobility support to access drinks and the kitchen
- Monitoring signs of dehydration or malnutrition
Even something as small as sitting down with a client for a cup of tea can make a big difference, turning a quiet moment into a shared, nourishing experience.
Local Action in Greater Manchester
Across the region, organisations such as Age UK Salford and Manchester Local Care Organisation are working hard to raise awareness of malnutrition and dehydration in later life.
Campaigns like Nutrition and Hydration Week, and community initiatives such as cookery workshops, carer training, and local recipe cards, are all helping to bring this conversation into the everyday lives of older people and their families.
Simple tools like the PaperWeight Armband (which helps spot early signs of undernutrition) and “Eat, Drink, Live Well” booklets have been making their way into homes across Manchester, helping people spot the warning signs earlier.
If You’re Concerned About Someone
If you’ve noticed your loved one losing weight, feeling fatigued, or avoiding meals, trust your instincts. It’s easy to attribute these signs to ageing, but they may indicate something more specific, like poor hydration or nutrition. These may be early signs of poor hydration or malnutrition, and the sooner we act, the better the outcome.
Talk to their GP, speak with local services like Age UK Salford, or contact our team at Home Instead Central Manchester. We’re always here to help, whether that’s arranging home visits, sharing nutrition advice, or simply offering reassurance.
Final Thoughts
Hydration isn’t just a health tip, it’s a basic need that can be easily overlooked, especially for older people living at home. But with gentle reminders, thoughtful care, and a few small changes, it’s possible to make drinking and eating part of a joyful, healthy routine.
At Home Instead Central Manchester, we believe that everyone deserves to age with dignity, energy, and comfort. A well-prepared meal or a thoughtful cup of tea may seem small, but together, they help build a better later life.
If you’d like to learn more about our home care services, or how we can support you or a loved one in staying well-nourished and hydrated, we’re here to talk.
Because every sip matters.
