Hydration Tips for Older Adults This Summer

Around 60% of the human body is made up of water. As we age, our sense of thirst naturally weakens, and certain medications or health conditions can increase fluid loss. This puts older adults at greater risk of dehydration, sometimes without even realising it.

Proper hydration plays a part in almost every bodily function. For older adults, regular fluid intake can:

• Improve brain function and concentration

• Prevent urinary tract infections

• Aid digestion and relieve constipation

• Support wound healing and skin health

• Protect kidney function

• Help regulate body temperature

• Maintain joint comfort and mobility

Yet many people over 70 don’t drink enough, especially those living alone, managing illness, or relying on home care. That’s why understanding the signs and solutions is so important.

Carers play a quiet but powerful role in helping older people stay hydrated. At Home Instead Yeovil, Sherborne & Bridport, hydration is built into our daily routines, not added on as an afterthought.

Small Steps That Make a Big Difference

Here are some of the simple ways our care professionals support hydration during every visit:

• Offering a drink with every meal and snack

• Placing drinks within reach, especially for those with mobility issues

• Using gentle reminders to sip throughout the day

• Making hydration social, such as sharing a cuppa and a chat

• Monitoring fluid intake for those with health conditions or complex needs

We personalise these routines to each person’s likes, habits, and medical needs, whether that means herbal teas, milk, or fruit-infused water.

Not all liquids help with hydration. Some can actually increase fluid loss or make someone feel worse.

Drinks to Limit or Avoid:

• Caffeinated teas and coffee – these can increase urination

• Sugary fizzy drinks – often dehydrate and irritate the bladder

• Alcohol – very dehydrating and may interact with medication

• High-sodium soups or ready meals – too much salt can increase thirst and strain the kidneys

Whenever possible, swap these for:

• Decaffeinated teas

• Weak squash or diluted juice

• Herbal infusions like chamomile or mint

Milk or oat milk

Hydration challenges aren’t always about forgetfulness. Many people avoid drinking because of:

• Fear of incontinence – worrying about needing the toilet more often

• Swallowing difficulties – feeling anxious or uncomfortable when drinking

• Lack of support or reminders – especially for those living alone

• Forgetfulness or cognitive decline – particularly in dementia care

This is where a patient, kind, and creative approach makes all the difference. From keeping drinks close by to using gentle prompts and reassurance, home carers can reduce anxiety and build trust around hydration.

At Home Instead Yeovil, Sherborne and Bridport, we take the hydration and nutrition of our clients very seriously — especially during the warmer months when the risk of dehydration increases. It’s a key focus during our initial consultation, where we talk through individual needs with clients and their families.

We also take the time to educate families about the importance of staying hydrated, and where needed, we add reminders and encouragement to drink fluids as part of our daily care tasks.

To help increase fluid intake, we share practical tips such as offering drinks regularly, introducing foods with high water content, and even using hydration aids like Jelly Drops — a popular and tasty way to support hydration in older adults.

Keeping our clients safe, well-nourished, and comfortable is at the heart of everything we do.

At Home Instead Yeovil, Sherborne & Bridport, we believe hydration is one of the most overlooked parts of good home care. Whether through visiting care or live-in support, our carers gently encourage regular drinks, water-rich meals, and routines that help people feel better, physically and emotionally.

We also provide:

• Condition-led care for people with dementia, Parkinson’s or stroke

• Personalised daily routines and monitoring

• Family updates to ensure peace of mind

• Support for those at risk of infections or hospital visits