Helping Older Adults Stay Hydrated in North Devon
Simple Ways to Support Hydration in North Devon This Summer
In July, the warmer weather in North Devon brings more time outdoors and longer days. It also raises the risk of dehydration, particularly for older adults receiving care at home in Barnstaple, Bideford, Ilfracombe, and surrounding communities. Whether someone is living with dementia, Parkinson’s, or has reduced mobility, staying hydrated is vital to their overall wellbeing. At Home Instead North Devon, we help older people stay safe, well, and comfortable by making hydration a simple and consistent part of everyday life. In this blog, we’ll share practical advice on the best drinks and water-rich foods, which ones to avoid, and how carers and families can spot early signs of dehydration before they cause wider health issues.
We’ll explore why hydration becomes more important with age, how to support older loved ones with simple routines, and what steps to take when fluid intake becomes a concern, especially during the summer months.
Why Older Adults Are at Greater Risk of Dehydration
Hydration needs don’t go away with age, but thirst often does. Older people may not feel thirsty even when their bodies need water. Several factors make dehydration more common in later life:
- Reduced thirst response: The body’s natural signal for thirst weakens with age.
- Medication side effects: Diuretics and other common prescriptions increase fluid loss.
- Cognitive changes: Conditions like dementia can make it difficult to recognise or communicate thirst.
- Mobility issues: Physical challenges may make it harder to reach drinks or use cups without help.
- Fear of incontinence: Some avoid fluids to reduce trips to the toilet, particularly at night.
These challenges make hydration a shared responsibility between the individual, their carers, and their families.
What Dehydration Looks Like—and Why It Matters
Dehydration in older people can cause more than dry skin or tiredness. Even mild dehydration is linked to:
- Falls due to dizziness or low blood pressure.
- Confusion or delirium, which can mimic or worsen symptoms of dementia.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs), which often require antibiotics and can lead to hospitalisation.
- Constipation, poor appetite and digestive discomfort.
- Skin issues, including increased risk of pressure sores and delayed wound healing.
In care settings, the difference hydration can make is profound. One example is the Torbay and South Devon Hydration Project, which led to:
- A 63.6% reduction in falls resulting in hospital visits.
- An 18.5% drop in UTIs requiring antibiotics.
- Zero hospital admissions for UTIs after the programme was in place.
This local success story shows that consistent, thoughtful hydration support can prevent serious complications.
Learning from the South Devon Hydration Project
This NHS-backed initiative rolled out in 33 care homes and proved that simple changes can have major impact. Here’s what worked:
1. Personalised Hydration Plans
Each resident had a tailored plan based on their health, preferences and drinking habits.
2. Staff Training
Carers received guidance on spotting early signs of dehydration and encouraging regular drinking in a natural, non-patronising way.
3. Hydration Champions
Each home appointed a team member to lead hydration efforts, check progress, and promote good habits across the team.
4. Daily Drink Rounds
Drinks were offered at least seven times a day, turning hydration into a social routine as well as a health measure.
These changes didn’t rely on costly tech or intensive staffing, just consistency and care.
Best Ways to Stay Hydrated at Home
You don’t need to live in a care home to benefit from these insights. If you’re supporting an older family member at home in North Devon or nearby, here are practical steps you can take:
Build a Simple Routine
Offer drinks at regular times, on waking, with meals, mid-afternoon, and before bed. Those with memory issues may benefit from verbal prompts or notes.
Make Fluids Easy to Access
Place lightweight cups or bottles near beds, chairs or in favourite spots. Use non-spill containers or straws if needed.
Offer Variety
Not everyone enjoys plain water. Offer herbal teas, diluted fruit juice, milk, or flavoured water. Keep options caffeine-free where possible, especially in the evening.
Choose Hydrating Foods
Not all fluid comes from drinks. Include water-rich foods such as:
- Watermelon, cucumber and celery
- Stewed fruits, soups and broths
- Jelly, yoghurt and custards
- Ice lollies made from fruit juice or squash
These are especially helpful for those with reduced appetites.
Make It Social
Sharing a drink during conversation or mealtimes can be encouraging. Turning hydration into a communal or shared habit helps normalise it.
What to Avoid: Dehydrating Drinks and Foods
Some foods and beverages can actually lead to further dehydration, especially in higher quantities. Try to limit:
- Caffeinated drinks like coffee or strong black tea
- Sugary soft drinks
- Salty snacks, including crisps, salted nuts or cured meats
- Alcohol, which increases fluid loss
It’s not about strict prohibition, balance is key. A cup of tea is fine if offset with plenty of water and hydrating foods throughout the day.
Hydration and Dementia: Extra Care and Attention
Hydration can be particularly challenging for people living with dementia. They may:
- Forget to drink
- Not recognise the feeling of thirst
- Not recognise cups or drinks
- Struggle with swallowing or coordination
Support strategies may include:
- Offering drinks in familiar, preferred cups
- Handing over a drink with verbal encouragement
- Using brightly coloured cups that stand out visually
- Providing help with lifting or holding cups
- Choosing thicker drinks, such as smoothies or fortified fluids, if swallowing is an issue
Home Instead North Devon’s care professionals are trained to understand these needs and provide patient, respectful hydration support tailored to each individual.
How Much Is Enough?
The general aim for older adults is 6–8 drinks a day, roughly 1.5 to 2 litres. But this can vary depending on the weather, activity level, and medical conditions. Good choices include:
- Plain or flavoured water
- Diluted squash or juice
- Milk or milk alternatives
- Herbal teas (peppermint, camomile, rooibos)
- Thin soups and broths
Tea and coffee count too, but try to keep these in moderation to avoid excess caffeine.
When to Ask for Help
If someone you care for regularly avoids fluids or shows signs of dehydration, such as confusion, dizziness, dry mouth, dark urine, or fatigue, it’s important to seek medical support. Professionals who can help include:
- A GP or district nurse
- Dietitian or speech and language therapist (especially if swallowing is difficult)
- Care provider or home care manager
In some cases, fluid intake may need to be monitored more closely or managed with nutritional drinks.
Supporting Hydration at Home with Home Instead North Devon
Home Instead North Devon offers bespoke home care services that include helping older adults stay hydrated, well-nourished, and safe. Whether someone is living with dementia, recovering from illness, or simply finding it harder to manage daily tasks, our care professionals offer:
- Regular drink prompts and hydration monitoring
- Help preparing hydrating foods and fluids
- Compassionate companionship that encourages good habits
- Tailored support for people with swallowing issues or continence concerns
We serve the communities of Barnstaple, Bideford, Ilfracombe, Braunton, South Molton and surrounding areas. Our team understands local needs and provides respectful, dependable care that helps older people stay in their own homes longer.
Final Thoughts: Small Actions Make a Big Difference
Dehydration is preventable, but it requires consistent attention. With patience, encouragement, and the right tools, older adults can stay well-hydrated, healthier and more comfortable, whether at home or in a care setting.
By offering a favourite drink, sharing a cuppa, or simply checking in during the day, we can all help protect the wellbeing of those we care about.
If you’re looking for home care support in North Devon or would like to speak to someone about hydration needs for a loved one, visit homeinstead.co.uk/North-Devon-Exmoor or call our team for a friendly, no-pressure conversation.
Let’s help everyone enjoy a safer, more hydrated tomorrow, one sip at a time.
Areas We Serve
South Molton, Barnstaple, & the surrounding North Devon areas
EX31 1, EX31 2, EX31 3, EX31 4, EX32 0, EX32 7, EX32 8, EX32 9, EX33 1, EX33 2, EX34 0, EX34 7, EX34 8, EX34 9, EX35 6, EX36 3, EX36 4, EX37 9, EX39 1, EX39 2, EX39 3, EX39 4, TA22 9, TA24 7, TA24 8
Unit 1c, Lime Field, South Molton EX36 3BS, UK