Residents reaping benefits of home-wide focus on hydration Staff, families more aware of adequate fluid intake importance   Wednesday July 21, 2010 -- Natalie Hamilton By raising awareness about the importance of proper fluid intake for seniors, a Leisureworld home has eliminated hospital visits for dehydration in the past six weeks. Leisureworld Caregiving Centre Vaughan launched an educational initiative about hydration in June, raising the profile of an issue that has been made a priority home-wide. While still in its infancy stages, the long-term care home also reports there hasn't been an increase in the number of urinary tract infections lately. Director of administration Debbie Fleming is pleased with the preliminary results. "We're trying to keep (hydration) in the forefront all of the time," she says. The administrator earlier told In the News many medical issues seniors face can be linked back to low fluid intake levels. In addition to urinary tract infections, dehydration can also cause headaches, constipation, dizziness, confusion and fever. Leisureworld Vaughan introduced the hydration education initiative as a proactive approach to managing these other conditions. Opening its doors to drink vendors and suppliers in June, staff, residents and family members sampled a variety of cold and hot beverages and learned more about the importance of adequate fluid intake. Fleming says the event was successful as it put the issue in the spotlight for staff, residents and family members. "They're informed. They're enlightened," Fleming says. "I think they're feeling part of the solution." Since Vaughan is tracking residents' fluid consumption closely, staff is also now alerting family members when their loved ones aren't drinking enough. The home is soliciting assistance in regards to what beverages loved ones might enjoy and then incorporating those choices into care plans. The home continues to work with its activation department to create theme days around thirst-quenchers to encourage increased intake. For instance, residents on three units are currently being offered non-alcoholic wine as part of their Sunday evening meals. Unit fridges are stocked for easy access and insulated beverage containers holding water and juice are on hand for staff and family to grab, Fleming adds. "We're making it more available." The home has developed new guidelines and a revamped food and hydration tally sheet. The home has data from the first six months of the year related to falls, behaviours and hospital admissions for dehydration and bowel-related conditions. Leisureworld Vaughan is hoping to see marked improvement when it evaluates the second half of 2010. If you have feedback on this story, e-mail natalie(at)axiomnews.ca or call the newsroom at 800-294-0051.