Nutrition and hydration week
It’s nutrition and hydration week and while medicines might not be the first thing you think of in regard to hydration, multiple medicines and diuretics increase the risk of dehydration.
But medicines administration in care settings is also an opportunity to improve hydration. By offering a full glass of water – or whichever drink the person prefers to take their medicines with – and giving them time to drink as much as they can (not rushing away with the drinking cup!) you can help to increase daily fluid intake with all the benefits that come with that.
Offer drinks in a nice cup from an attractive jug (that is clean!) to encourage the people in your care to drink. Simple things like this can make a big difference.
Also, take the opportunity to ask for review to ensure that all medicines are still required and appropriate and not adding unnecessary risk for the person.
nutritionandhydrationweekweek carehomes careathome medicinesadministration polypharmacy medicationtraining
