Summer Hydration Tips for Older Adults in Romford
Practical hydration tips for older adults in Romford to stay healthy, safe, and comfortable in summer.
How to support elderly loved ones with safe and simple hydration habits during the warmer months.
In Romford, the summer months bring welcome sunshine, but they also increase the risk of dehydration, particularly for older adults receiving care at home. Whether someone is living with dementia, Parkinson’s, or reduced mobility, staying hydrated in July and beyond is vital to maintaining their comfort, safety, and independence. At Home Instead Romford, we help older people manage their daily fluid intake with care and dignity. In this blog, we explore practical tips for encouraging hydration, highlight drinks and foods to include or avoid, and explain why hydration is one of the most important health habits for later life.
We’ll explore why hydration becomes more important with age, what signs to look out for, and how families and carers in Romford can support older loved ones with simple, everyday actions.
Why Staying Hydrated Gets Harder With Age
Water plays a central role in almost every function in the human body, from regulating temperature to aiding digestion and supporting brain function. Yet as we age, our ability to retain and sense the need for water declines.
Older adults are more prone to dehydration due to:
- A weakened thirst response, meaning they don’t always feel thirsty even when their body needs fluids
- Reduced kidney function, affecting fluid regulation
- Medications like diuretics or blood pressure tablets that increase fluid loss
- Cognitive conditions such as dementia or stroke-related difficulties, which may affect the ability to recognise or communicate thirst
- Mobility issues or fear of incontinence, leading some to avoid drinking to reduce toilet trips
This makes it especially important for carers and family members to gently support regular fluid intake.
Spotting the Signs of Dehydration in Older Adults
Dehydration in older people often builds slowly and can be easily missed. Some early warning signs to watch for include:
- Dry mouth or lips
- Headaches
- Dark or infrequent urine
- Tiredness, low energy, or poor sleep
- Muscle cramps or dizziness
- Constipation
- Confusion or irritability
- Dry skin or sunken eyes
- A rapid but weak pulse
- Low blood pressure
- Fever
- Bloated abdomen
- Fainting or confusion
- Seizures or inability to walk unaided
In more severe cases, dehydration may lead to:
Severe dehydration needs urgent medical attention. If in doubt, always seek support from a GP, district nurse, or 111.
How Much Should Older Adults Drink?
While every person is different, most older adults should aim for six to eight drinks per day, with each being roughly 200ml. That’s about 1.2 to 1.6 litres of fluid daily. This can include:
- Water
- Squash or diluted juice
- Tea (especially decaffeinated)
- Milk
- Soup
- Hydrating snacks like jelly, yoghurt, or fruit
Those on medication should always take their tablets with a full glass of water and be encouraged to drink regularly throughout the day, not just with meals.
If bladder concerns are an issue, it’s better to offer more drinks earlier in the day and reduce caffeine or fluids near bedtime.
Best Ways to Help Older Adults Stay Hydrated
1. Offer Small, Frequent Drinks
Large glasses can be off-putting. Smaller cups, given more often, feel more manageable and can make a big difference. Make sure drinks are always within easy reach, in the living room, by the bedside, or in favourite spots around the home.
2. Add Flavour Naturally
Not everyone enjoys plain water. Add slices of lemon, cucumber, or berries for a refreshing twist. Herbal teas and low-sugar cordials are gentle on the stomach and often more appealing.
Avoid excessive coffee, alcohol, and fizzy sugary drinks, which can increase dehydration. These beverages act as diuretics, encouraging the body to lose fluids faster.
3. Serve Hydrating Foods
Some of the best hydration support comes from the food we eat. Water-rich options include:
- Cucumber
- Celery
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Strawberries
- Melon
- Oranges and grapefruit
- Peaches
- Yoghurt
- Jelly
- Soup
- Homemade ice lollies
These are especially helpful for older adults who don’t feel thirsty or have a low appetite.
Supporting People with Additional Health Needs
Continence Worries
Some older adults deliberately avoid drinking to reduce the need to use the toilet. This can be addressed through:
- Regularly scheduled bathroom breaks
- Use of continence aids and pads
- Drinking more during the day and less in the evening
- Providing reassurance and protecting dignity
The aim is to reduce anxiety without compromising on hydration.
Swallowing Difficulties (Dysphagia)
If your loved one has trouble swallowing liquids, thickened drinks can help. Some care providers now offer modified drinks, like “Next Level Tea,”in familiar flavours that are easier and safer to consume.
A speech and language therapist should always be consulted if swallowing difficulties are suspected.
Hydration in Care Settings: What to Expect
At Home Instead Romford, hydration is part of our daily care plans. We don’t just offer drinks, we make them part of everyday routines and moments of connection. That might mean:
- Sharing a cup of tea during a morning visit
- Offering a fruit granita on a hot afternoon
- Making a colourful jug of cucumber and mint water together
- Encouraging hydrating snacks during TV time
We also monitor hydration regularly and adjust support based on the person’s health needs, medication, and preferences.
Foods and Drinks That Can Dehydrate the Body
When caring for someone vulnerable to dehydration, it’s useful to limit or avoid certain items:
- Caffeinated drinks like strong tea and coffee (these can increase urination)
- Alcohol, even a small glass of wine can dehydrate the body
- Sugary fizzy drinks, which may cause spikes and dips in energy
- Salty snacks like crisps and salted nuts, which can increase thirst without providing hydration
Choose gentle alternatives like herbal teas, milk, or fruit-infused water. These are better tolerated and more hydrating.
Community Support in Romford
Local awareness programmes can make a difference. Initiatives such as hydration-focused coffee mornings or “Drinking Well” community events help bring people together and remind carers, families, and older adults of the importance of fluids.
Even simple ideas, like friendly drop-ins with a cup of tea or fruit juice, can reduce isolation and support wellbeing.
When to Get Medical Advice
If you notice signs of severe dehydration, such as confusion, fainting, or very dark urine, it’s time to speak with a health professional. Some older adults may require intravenous fluids if their dehydration is advanced.
Never delay seeking help if you’re unsure. Carers and families know their loved ones best, and early action can prevent a hospital stay.
A Daily Habit That Supports Life
Staying hydrated might sound simple, but for older people, especially those managing health challenges or living alone, it can be a daily struggle. At Home Instead Romford, we’re here to help make it easier.
From preparing hydrating meals to sharing cups of tea, helping with continence concerns, or offering reassurance and companionship, our care is built around the individual.
Whether you’re supporting a loved one at home or exploring care options, don’t underestimate the importance of hydration. It can affect everything from memory and mood to strength, safety, and comfort.
Small, thoughtful habits, carried out with kindness, can protect health and bring peace of mind.
