Keeping Older Adults Hydrated at Home in Hamilton

Are Your Loved Ones Drinking Enough? How to Help Older Adults Stay Hydrated in Hamilton

In Hamilton, the warmer days of July bring not only sunshine but also a greater risk of dehydration, especially for older adults receiving care at home. Whether someone is living with dementia, Parkinson’s, or reduced mobility, staying hydrated is vital to their health and wellbeing. At Home Instead Hamilton, we understand that supporting hydration means more than reminding someone to drink, it’s about making fluids accessible, enjoyable, and part of daily life. In this blog, we share how to recognise the signs of dehydration, recommend foods and drinks that help, and highlight the ones to limit in warmer weather.

Let’s explore how hydration needs change in later life and the practical, person-centred steps families and carers in Hamilton can take to support older adults every day.

The general recommendation is between 1.5 to 2.5 litres of fluid a day—or 6 to 8 glasses. But it’s not just about water. Older adults can stay hydrated through:

• Tea (decaffeinated is best in the evening)
• Milk and milk alternatives
• Smoothies and diluted fruit juice
• Soups and stews
• Water-rich fruits and vegetables (like melon or cucumber)
• Yoghurt, jelly, and custard

Importantly, relying on thirst isn’t enough. Many older people don’t realise when they need a drink. Instead, carers and family members should focus on routine-based drinking, offering fluids at regular intervals throughout the day.

What to Drink:

• Still or sparkling water (flavour with lemon, mint, or cucumber)
• Decaffeinated tea or coffee
• Milk or oat/soya alternatives (fortified if possible)
• Diluted squash or juice (watch for sugar)
• Fruit smoothies (best when homemade with minimal added sugars)
• Soups and broths (vegetable-based are ideal)
• Oral rehydration drinks (recommended only under medical supervision)

What to Avoid:

• Energy drinks – These contain caffeine and stimulants that can worsen dehydration.
• High-sugar soft drinks – Can lead to blood sugar spikes and increased urination.
• Excessive alcohol – A diuretic that can impact balance, sleep, and hydration.
  

1. Make Fluids Easy to Access

Keep jugs of water and preferred drinks within reach, on a tray or small side table. Use cups or beakers that are light, easy to grip, and familiar to the person.

2. Use Routine and Reminders

Offer drinks alongside medication, meals, or regular activities like watching TV. Set gentle reminders or use a whiteboard to record drinks throughout the day.

3. Include Hydrating Snacks

Smoothies, fruit bowls, yoghurt, or custard can be offered as snacks or desserts. For people with reduced appetite, these provide both hydration and nutrition.

4. Support Continence Comfortably

Incontinence worries often stop older adults from drinking. Reassure them that staying hydrated can actually reduce urinary urgency and infections. Offer regular, assisted toilet breaks if needed.

5. Tailor Hydration to the Individual

Everyone is different. For example, Ethel, who lives with early-stage dementia, may forget to drink unless prompted. Her care plan includes tea with milk in her favourite mug and lemon squash with lunch. She’s also supported with regular toilet breaks and monitored for fluid intake.

At Home Instead Hamilton, we believe that tailoring hydration plans to the individual is essential. Personal comfort, memory triggers, and preferred flavours make all the difference.

Living independently doesn’t mean living unsupported. These tech tools can help older adults stay hydrated and safe:

• Hydration reminder apps or smartwatches – Send regular alerts to drink.
• Kitchen usage monitors – Help carers detect reduced eating or drinking.
• Personal alarms – Essential if dehydration leads to a fall or confusion.
• Fall detection wearables – Offer peace of mind to family carers.

At Home Instead Hamilton, we work with families to find simple tech solutions that support independence while keeping safety in mind.