Nutrition and Hydration Week
Published: 17/03/2017
We are proud and pleased to be supporting Nutrition and Hydration Week from 13-19 March 2017. This initiative aims to highlight, promote and celebrate improvements in the provision of nutrition and hydration locally Throughout the week, we will be highlighting the importance of good nutrition and hydration in older age.
Sue (Registered Manager at Bluebird Care - Birmingham East) “Elderly malnutrition is a huge problem in the UK, which is why we’re keen to support Nutrition and Hydration Week this year. Inadequate fluid intake is a major contributor to prevent dehydration. Signs of dehydration include dryness of the mouth, lips and tongue, sunken eyes, dry inelastic skin, drowsiness, confusion or disorientation, dizziness and low blood pressure. for this nutrition and hydration week we have planned to increase the awareness of the importance of hydration. It can make a difference to health and quality of life.”
Beechcroft Tennis & Multi Sports Community Club, Beechcroft Avenue, Hall Green, Birmingham, B28 9ER
Your body needs a continuous supply of water. If you always wait until your mouth is dry to drink some water, then you may be waiting too long. That’s why we should try to drink water throughout the day, even if we aren’t thirsty. If you do feel thirsty, you should drink until your thirst is satisfied. Do you know how much water we should try to drink everyday? – at least eight 8-ounce glasses (2 quarts) of fluid everyday is a good rule to go by.
At Bluebird Care, we are ensuring every resident receives the best possible care and it is our top priority and we understand the importance of good nutrition and hydration and recognise they are fundamental human needs. When people are ill, old or vulnerable, nutrition becomes even more important to us in managing their care and to ensure that they have the best chance of recovery and rehabilitation.
Research from the British Nutrition Foundation shows that older people are vulnerable to dehydration due to physiological changes in the ageing process. This can be complicated by many conditions plus both mental and physical frailty can further increase the risk of dehydration.
