Keeping Older Adults Hydrated in Reading

In Reading, the warmth of July brings longer days and more time spent outdoors. It also increases the risk of dehydration, especially for older adults receiving care at home. Whether someone is living with dementia, Parkinson’s, mobility challenges, or simply feeling the effects of age, hydration is essential to their comfort and wellbeing. At Home Instead Reading, we support older people across the local community to stay healthy and safe by making hydration part of everyday care. In this blog, we explore how to recognise signs of dehydration, suggest the best drinks and water-rich foods to include, highlight what to avoid, and offer practical tips for families and carers throughout the summer.

We’ll look at why hydration matters more with age, how to adapt routines to make fluid intake easier, and the simple yet powerful steps families and carers can take to help older loved ones stay well hydrated during the warmer months.

Supporting hydration doesn’t have to involve big changes. Small, thoughtful actions make a real difference, especially when tailored to someone’s routine, memory, preferences, or physical needs.

1. Build Drinking into the Day

Rather than waiting until someone feels thirsty, encourage drinking at set times:

• With meals and snacks

• When taking medication

• When enjoying TV or a favourite activity

• After coming in from a walk or trip out

Structure brings consistency. Even someone with memory issues benefits from repeated gentle prompts throughout the day.

2. Use Favourite Mugs or Familiar Cups

Older adults are more likely to drink from cups they recognise or like using. For those with dementia, bright-coloured cups that contrast with the table are easier to spot and more appealing.

3. Offer Hydrating Snacks

It’s not all about water. Foods with a high water content help too. Try including:

• Watermelon

• Cucumber

• Soups and broths

• Jelly

• Stewed fruits

• Yoghurt

• Ice lollies in warmer weather

These are particularly helpful for those who eat well but don’t naturally drink much.

4. Make Fluids Easy to Reach

Place drinks within arm’s reach. Use cups with straws, handles, or lightweight bottles. A visible jug on the table can act as a visual prompt to drink, especially for those with memory loss.

For someone living with dementia, recognising a drink, remembering to sip, or understanding instructions may be difficult.

Here’s what we’ve found works well:

• Offer drinks little and often, don’t wait for them to ask

• Stick to familiar drinks (tea, diluted juice, hot chocolate)

• Use handled mugs, especially ones with lids or straws

• Keep drinks in sight, place them where they can be seen easily

• Offer Jelly Drops®, a sweet treat made of 95% water designed specifically for people with dementia

Hydration is also vital for people with Parkinson’s, where mobility and swallowing may be affected. Thicker fluids, or drinks served with specialist cups, can help.

At Home Instead Reading, our care team often supports hydration through small, practical daily routines. Here are some of the strategies we use that you can apply at home:

• Start each visit or conversation with a drink

• Offer drinks at set times, after meals, with tablets, mid-morning, before bed

• Create a hydration chart or checklist to track daily intake

• Make it sociable: a shared cup of tea can do more than hydrate, it can also connect

• Add interest to drinks with slices of fruit, a drop of cordial, or warm milk with cinnamon

And if managing fluids becomes more challenging, it may help to speak with a GP or local care provider. Support such as regular home visits can make hydration feel easier and more natural.

Whether you’re supporting a parent, grandparent or someone you care for professionally, here are some tips to support better hydration:

• Keep drinks visible, varied, and easy to handle

• Create daily routines with drinks included

• Tailor your approach, favourite drinks, known mugs, comfortable cups

• Use memory-friendly prompts: verbal cues, checklists, hydration charts

• Keep track of how often they urinate, and notice any changes

• Seek professional advice if there are signs of dehydration or health concerns