Helping Older Adults Stay Hydrated in Weston super Mare, Clevedon & Burnham on Sea
Practical tips to help older adults stay hydrated during summer in Weston-super-Mare & beyond.<br />
Practical hydration support for families across Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon, and Burnham-on-Sea.
As temperatures rise in July, staying hydrated becomes especially important for older adults. Dehydration can occur quietly and quickly, particularly for those who need home care or live with conditions like dementia or reduced mobility. The NHS highlights dehydration as a serious health concern, especially in later life, with potential impacts on everything from cognition to physical safety (NHS guide to dehydration). At Home Instead Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon & Burnham-on-Sea, we support families with practical, compassionate strategies that make hydration part of daily life. This blog explores which foods and drinks support hydration, what to limit, and how to make gentle habits part of everyday routines.
In the sections that follow, we’ll explain why older adults are more vulnerable to dehydration, how to spot the signs early, and simple, effective strategies to support daily hydration. We’ll also highlight how our Care Professionals integrate hydration support into every care plan, ensuring comfort, safety, and reassurance for families across Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon, and Burnham-on-Sea.
Why Hydration Matters More with Age
As we grow older, our bodies hold less water. Older adults lose fluids more quickly and often don’t feel thirsty, even when their body needs water. At the same time, common conditions like diabetes, stroke, or dementia can affect how fluids are processed. Some medications also increase urination or reduce appetite and thirst. And for those living with mobility challenges or incontinence concerns, drinking more can feel inconvenient or even distressing.
The result? Dehydration becomes far more likely, and often, it develops gradually. It’s not just a matter of dry lips or feeling faint. Even mild dehydration can cause:
- Confusion or disorientation
- Constipation
- Dizziness or falls
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Headaches and fatigue
- Poor sleep
- Muscle cramps
- Hospitalisation in severe cases
At Home Instead, we understand that addressing hydration isn’t about ticking off glasses of water, it’s about working gently, patiently, and consistently to keep older people safe and comfortable in their own homes.
How Much Fluid Is Enough?
On average, older adults should aim for 8–10 cups (about 2–2.5 litres) of fluid daily. But the right amount depends on health conditions, medications, weather, and activity levels. If someone has a fever, diarrhoea, or is recovering from illness, they may need more.
It’s also helpful to know that fluids don’t have to come from plain water. Soup, jelly, diluted juice, herbal teas, and certain fruits and vegetables are all useful sources of hydration.
Spotting Dehydration Early
Because thirst isn’t a reliable indicator in older adults, family members and carers should watch for other signs, including:
- Dry mouth or tongue
- Strong-smelling or dark yellow urine
- Confusion or irritability
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Difficulty sleeping
- Headaches
- Muscle cramps
In more serious cases, dehydration can lead to:
- Rapid pulse
- Low blood pressure
- Seizures or fainting
- Inability to sweat
- Bloating or high fever
If you notice any of these symptoms, especially in someone with a medical condition or a history of falls, seek help from a GP or care professional.
Everyday Strategies to Support Hydration at Home
At Home Instead Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon & Burnham-on-Sea, we build hydration support into our daily care. Here’s how you can do the same at home.
1. Keep Drinks Within Easy Reach
Make sure water or preferred drinks are always nearby, next to a favourite chair, by the bed, or in the kitchen. Refillable bottles with markers or timers can help gently remind people to sip throughout the day.
2. Make Water Taste Better
Not everyone enjoys plain water. Try adding a slice of lemon, cucumber, or a few berries. Herbal teas, lightly flavoured water, and even weak squash can help without adding too much sugar.
3. Serve Water-Rich Foods
Some of the best hydration comes from food. Include these regularly:
- Watermelon, strawberries, and melon
- Cucumber, celery, tomatoes, and lettuce
- Oranges and grapefruit
- Yoghurt, jelly, and soup
For those who are reluctant to drink, these foods can be a game-changer.
4. Encourage Routine Drinking Times
Don’t wait for thirst. Small drinks spaced throughout the day are easier to manage:
- Upon waking
- With breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Mid-morning and afternoon
- Before bed
Setting reminders or creating visual cues can help build lasting habits.
5. Reduce Dehydrating Drinks
Some drinks may actually increase fluid loss and should be limited:
- Caffeinated coffee and tea
- Alcoholic drinks
- Sugary fizzy drinks
These can still be enjoyed occasionally but should not be the main source of fluids.
6. Consider the Weather, and What They’re Wearing
On warmer days, breathable cotton or bamboo clothing helps regulate temperature and reduce unnecessary fluid loss. Keep an eye on room temperature and provide cool drinks and shaded spaces where possible.
7. Check Medication Side Effects
Some medications cause extra fluid loss. Diuretics, blood pressure tablets, or treatments for heart conditions may require extra fluid intake. Speak to a pharmacist or GP about what’s appropriate.
8. Make It Social
Hydration doesn’t have to be clinical. A shared cup of tea, a morning smoothie, or a drink enjoyed while chatting or doing a crossword can bring people together and support wellbeing.
Foods That Help, and Foods to Avoid
Good Choices for Hydration
- Fresh fruit like strawberries, oranges, melon, and grapes
- Vegetables such as cucumber, courgette, and lettuce
- Soup, jelly, and yoghurt
- Homemade smoothies with ice and water-rich fruit
Foods to Limit
While many foods are fine in moderation, some can increase dehydration risk:
- Salty snacks like crisps or processed meats
- Very spicy food
- Highly processed ready meals
- Caffeinated chocolate or energy drinks
When in doubt, pair any salty or dry food with a glass of water or water-rich side like melon or cucumber.
How Home Instead Supports Hydration in the Local Community
In Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon and Burnham-on-Sea, Home Instead provides visiting and live-in care that includes hydration as part of a wider, personalised approach.
Our trained Care Professionals:
- Monitor hydration and support with fluid tracking
- Offer meals with water-rich ingredients
- Prepare drinks throughout the day
- Assist with toileting and continence care, easing worries about drinking too much
- Use gentle prompts and reminders
- Build routines that support daily drinking habits
Whether we’re helping someone with dementia who forgets to drink, supporting stroke recovery, or managing medication that affects fluid balance, our team works to provide thoughtful, respectful care that keeps older adults safe and comfortable in the home they love.
Removing Barriers to Drinking
We understand that staying hydrated isn’t always easy. Our team supports people with:
- Swallowing difficulties (we can thicken drinks or serve hydrating purees)
- Incontinence concerns (we manage continence care with discretion and sensitivity)
- Memory loss (we use compassionate reminders and calm conversation)
- Limited mobility (we ensure drinks are placed within reach and help with getting to the bathroom)
With care that adapts to the individual, we make sure hydration becomes a part of daily life, not a struggle.
Care That’s Local, Professional, and Personal
Home Instead Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon & Burnham-on-Sea is proud to offer care that’s tailored, responsive, and truly local. Our carers are fully trained, DBS-checked, and employed directly. We never use agency staff, so you know who’s coming into your home.
Services include:
- Visiting care from 30 minutes upwards
- Live-in care
- Respite and emergency support
- Specialist care for dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke recovery, and more
We aim to respond within 24 hours of your enquiry, offering peace of mind when you need it most.
Need Help Supporting a Loved One at Home?
If you’re worried about dehydration or other daily care needs, we’re here to help. Whether it’s short visits or full-time live-in care, our service is designed to work around you and your family.
📞 Call us on 01934 526892 or visit our website to enquire.
Home Instead Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon & Burnham-on-Sea, where every drop matters, and every person is cared for with dignity.
Areas We Serve
Weston super Mare, Burnham-on-Sea, Banwell, Winscombe, Bleadon
BS21 5, BS21 6, BS21 7, BS22 6, BS22 7, BS22 8, BS22 9, BS23 1, BS23 2, BS23 3, BS23 4, BS24 0, BS24 6, BS24 7, BS24 8, BS24 9, BS29 6, BS48 2, BS48 4, BS49 4, BS49 5, TA8 1, TA8 2 and TA9 4
202 High St, Worle, Weston-super-Mare BS22 6JE, UK
01934 526892