Dehydration, a serious problem;

Total body water decreases with age, as does thirst sensation. This means that elderly people not only suffer greater damage from dehydration, but are less able to sense it.

Constant mild dehydration can cause a myriad of long term health effects. As little as 2% loss in body weight causes impaired physiological and performance response.

Dehydration causes dizziness - especially upon sudden standing, making it a contributing factor to falls. For elderly people falls is one of the biggest reasons for hospital admission.

It is incredibly difficult for carers to make sure that all patients have a suitable fluid intake.

This obviously involves making water available, but they must check constantly to make sure the fluid has been drunk.

The main reasons for dehydration can be;
- The water made available can often be warm and poor in taste.
- Diuretics are often consumed in place of hydrating drinks.
- Elderly patients are likely to have a poor thirst mechanism.
- The increased need for toilet use can be a reason to reduce drinking.
- A widespread lack of understanding about the importance of hydration
- Many drugs are diuretic.

Areas of particular concern;
- Any person admitted to hospital for routine operations or accidents.
- People recovering from major operations - Dehydration can slow or reverse recovery
- Elderly looking after themselves - Particularly in relation to falls and chronic dehydration.
- Elderly disabled, arthritic or Alzheimer sufferers, difficulties with drinking.
- Nursing home patients - Often in poor health, completely dependant on carers.