Keeping Older Adults Hydrated in Summer
Support older adults to stay hydrated this summer with Home Instead West Leicestershire tips.
Simple, effective tips to help older adults in West Leicestershire and Market Bosworth stay well and hydrated during the warmer months
As temperatures rise across West Leicestershire and Market Bosworth this July, staying hydrated becomes more than a health tip, it becomes a lifeline, particularly for older adults receiving care at home. Whether someone is living with dementia, recovering from illness, or facing mobility challenges, hydration plays a vital role in maintaining comfort, cognitive function, and overall wellbeing. At Home Instead West Leicestershire & Market Bosworth, we understand that hydration is not just about drinking more water. It’s about knowing which fluids and foods support hydration, which to avoid, and how to make good hydration part of everyday care. This blog offers simple, effective ways to help loved ones stay hydrated safely through the summer.
Let’s explore why hydration is harder in later life, the early signs of dehydration to watch out for, and how families and carers can support older people with drinks, routines, and water-rich foods.
Why Hydration Matters More as We Age
As we grow older, the body’s ability to regulate water declines. The sensation of thirst often becomes less noticeable, especially for individuals with conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or after a stroke. Add in medications that increase urination, mobility limitations, or fears about incontinence, and it’s easy to see why older adults may not drink enough.
Yet, staying hydrated supports everything from joint movement and kidney function to memory and mood. Dehydration in older people can lead to dizziness, falls, confusion, urinary tract infections, and may result in the need for hospital care, especially during warmer months.
What Is Low-Intake Dehydration?
Unlike dehydration caused by sudden illnesses like vomiting or diarrhoea, Low‐intake dehydration builds up gradually and can sometimes affect older adults living independently or in residential settings. With the right support, it is a concern that can be effectively managed. Because there may be no obvious symptoms, it’s easy to miss.
In fact, traditional signs like dry mouth, dark urine, or sunken eyes are often unreliable in older adults. A major UK study (DRIE) found that even professionals struggled to identify dehydration accurately using visual checks.
The gold standard for diagnosis is a serum osmolality blood test. However, because this test is rarely used outside clinical settings, prevention is often the best approach, especially for people receiving care at home.
The Best Ways to Support Hydration at Home
At Home Instead West Leicestershire & Market Bosworth, our care team uses person-centred strategies to encourage regular fluid intake, tailored to each individual’s needs, tastes, and routines.
Here are some of the best approaches we recommend and follow:
1. Offer Drinks Routinely—Not Just at Mealtimes
Encourage drinking:
- First thing in the morning
- With every medication round
- Mid-morning, mid-afternoon and early evening
- During social activities or rest breaks
Avoid relying on thirst as a prompt. Regular reminders or scheduled drinks are far more effective.
2. Honour Personal Preferences
People are more likely to drink what they enjoy. A simple switch from plain water to a favourite herbal tea, diluted squash, or warm milk can make a big difference. A surprising number of older people drink more when given a familiar cup or mug, so it’s worth asking about favourite drinkware too.
We also support social hydration through activities like “Mocktail Monday” or “Shandy Saturday” where appropriate.
3. Make Fluids Accessible
Having drinks within arm’s reach encourages more regular sipping. Lightweight bottles, easy-grip cups, and spill-proof containers reduce the fear of dropping or spilling. Time-marked bottles or visual cues (like coloured jugs or cups) can also help prompt intake, especially for those living with dementia.
What to Avoid: Drinks and Foods That Can Dehydrate
Some drinks can actually lead to increased fluid loss or act as diuretics. While occasional enjoyment is fine, it’s best to limit:
- Sugary soft drinks
- Strong tea and coffee
- Alcohol (unless agreed with a GP)
- High-salt broths or packet soups
Medications also play a role. Diuretics (water tablets), laxatives, and some blood pressure drugs can increase urination or interfere with hydration balance. Always consult with a GP if you’re concerned about how medications may be affecting fluid levels.
Foods That Help with Hydration
Drinking isn’t the only way to stay hydrated. Many foods have high water content and can support fluid intake without the need for large glasses of water.
Water-rich foods to include:
- Cucumber (96% water)
- Tomatoes (94%)
- Watermelon (92%)
- Strawberries, peaches, oranges
- Soup or broth (served warm or chilled)
- Jelly
- Ice lollies or fruit ice
We often support clients by including these foods in their daily meals, especially in warm weather.
Why Warmer Weather Raises the Risk
Hydration support becomes even more important during hot spells. Older adults sweat less and feel thirst less often, yet they still lose fluid. Some individuals may reduce their fluid intake to limit trips to the toilet, especially if they experience mobility challenges. With reassurance and support, this can be addressed in a way that protects their comfort and health.
During spring and summer in West Leicestershire & Market Bosworth, we:
- Offer more cold drinks and hydrating snacks
- Ensure clients have easier access to toilets or commodes
- Encourage lighter clothing and provide fans if needed
- Use hydration charts for those most at risk
How Home Instead West Leicestershire & Market Bosworth Helps
Hydration is part of everything we do, because good care goes beyond the obvious. Our professional care team supports hydration in small, thoughtful ways throughout the day:
- Serving preferred drinks at the right times
- Using prompts and routines tied to medication
- Monitoring how much is being consumed
- Adjusting fluid plans around medication and health needs
- Using Life Story tools to understand habits and choices
Hydration care is always part of a broader, personalised support plan that respects dignity, choice, and comfort.
Practical Tips for Families
If you’re supporting a loved one at home, here are simple ways to encourage safe hydration:
Make it Social
Share a drink together. It can become a lovely part of your daily catch-up.
Use Variety
Try smoothies, flavoured water, fruit teas, and warm broths to keep things interesting.
Track Intake
A daily hydration tracker can help you see what’s working. Try apps, simple tick sheets, or coloured bands around bottles.
Be Aware of Red Flags
Watch out for:
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Little or no sweating
- Reduced urine or dark yellow urine
- Dizziness or unsteadiness
- Dry lips or skin
Working Together: Carers, Families, and Professionals
Hydration isn’t just about drinks. It’s about confidence, dignity, and feeling cared for. Families can feel reassured knowing that a Home Instead carer is supporting not just hydration, but overall wellbeing too.
Whether someone is recovering from illness, living with dementia, or simply needs a little help at home, we’re here to make every sip count.
Need Help at Home in West Leicestershire & Market Bosworth?
At Home Instead, we provide person-centred home care for older adults across West Leicestershire and Market Bosworth. Hydration support is just one part of the compassionate, practical care we deliver every day.
To find out more about how we can help you or your loved one stay safe, well, and hydrated, contact our friendly team.
Because small things, like a glass of water, can make a big difference.
Areas We Serve
Aylestone, Birstall, Braunstone, Enderby, Glenfield, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester Forest East, Narborough,Ratby, Thurmaston, Wigston
CV13 0, LE18 4, LE19 0, LE19 1, LE19 2, LE19 3, LE19 4, LE2 9, LE3 1, LE3 2, LE3 3, LE3 6, LE3 8, LE3 9, LE4 0, LE4 1, LE6 0, LE67 1, LE67 6, LE67 9, LE7 7, LE8 4, LE9 2, LE9 7, LE9 8, LE9 9
46 Boston Rd, Leicester LE4 1AA
0116 484 9613