What is dehydration?
     Dehydration occurs when the amount of fluid 
     consumed is less than the amount that is 
     lost. Dehydration in aged care settings is a 
     common and dangerous problem. 
   The role of Hydration in the 
               body
     Carries nutrients
     Regulates body temperature
     Removes wastes 
      Inadequate Hydration
    Inadequate hydration is associated with many 
    adverse consequences including:
     poor oral  health
     poor skin integrity
     Constipation 
     urinary tract infection
     confusion & cognitive impairment which can lead 
     to increased risk of falls and reduced quality of life
     electrolyte imbalances
     Reduced food intake and an increased risk of 
     malnutrition 
    Why is dehydration common in 
        the aged care setting?
   Dehydration can happen very quickly, often less than 8 
   hours.
   Residents are at an increased risk of dehydration due to 
   the following:
   Poor oral intake and appetite
   Refusal of fluid
   Diminished sense of thirst despite having normal fluid 
    requirements
   Inadequate staffing to assist residents who have total 
    or partial dependence on staff for fluid intake
   Medicines such as diuretics 
   Continued ….. Why is dehydration 
   common in the aged care setting?
   Residents actively limiting intake to reduce need to go to 
    the toilet often due to fear of incontinence (restricting 
    fluids does not reduce urinary incontinence. 
   Swallowing difficulties or oral disorders making it difficult 
    to drink 
   Vomiting/ diarrhoea 
   Limited range of fluids offered 
   Poorly controlled diabetes
   Inability to hold/manage a cup & limited access to 
    assistive devices to aid in drinking eg/ a 2 handle cup
   Dislike of thickened fluids