Drink More Water Advise Leicestershire Care Bosses

Concerns that older people may risk becoming dehydrated in the current hot spell have led care bosses in Leicestershire to encourage them to take sufficient fluids.

It is especially essential for older people to remember to drink enough, as failure to do so can lead to a host of health problems. It's no problem if you don't like water, although tap water is said to be a good freely available option. Any drink will count towards the daily fluid intake, including tea, coffee and soft drinks.

Cabinet member for Adults and Communities David Sprason said: "People need to drink two and a half pints of fluid per day – and even more when it’s hot. Tap water is one of the best things you can drink – it’s cheap and it’s high quality."

Mr Sprason added: "Our meals on wheels teams are helping to spread this message and help older people prepare drinks. We’re also encouraging carers and neighbours to keep an eye open and see if their older friends and relatives are drinking enough.”

This advice coincides with hydration week, an initiative launched by the National Association of Care Caterers to raise awareness of the importance of taking enough fluids. Some of the benefits of good hydration include improvements in mental performance and alertness, maintenance of body temperature and prevention of falls through fainting.

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