Water UK

Hydration and dignity in care

29/11/07

The change is designed to ensure that older people have access to fresh drinking water throughout their day and that they are helped – even reminded – to drink.

The FSA has announced that it will amend its guidance to include explicit advice that those providing food and drink for older people in residential care should ensure that water and other forms of fluid are freely available throughout the whole day. Residents who have difficulty in drinking should be supported in getting a good fluid intake.

Protecting older people from needless water-related malnutrition has been a key part of the work of Water UK and the supporting Water for Health Alliance over recent years. The FSA guidance is viewed as a very positive step in improving care standards.

Contact: Nick Ellins

In addition to leading the development of the care sector's first hydration best practice toolkit, working with regional water companies to develop supporting partnerships and sitting on European and UK nutrition panels, Water UK has been calling for policy changes to ensure hydration for those in care.