The recommended amount of fluid intake is one and a half to two
litres a day, which is around eight to 10 glasses or 10 to 13 cups per
day. More fluid may be needed on hot days.
How can dementia affect drinking?
As people get older the sensation of thirst may change. This can mean they don’t feel thirsty even
though they’re not drinking enough. Someone with dementia may experience similar changes. They may
forget to drink, be less able to get themselves a drink or be unable to communicate that they are thirsty.
This can cause dehydration which can lead to headaches, increased confusion, urinary tract infections
and constipation. These can make the symptoms of dementia worse.
Placing a drink in front of someone doesn’t always mean they will drink it. An empty cup doesn’t always
mean that the person has finished the drink. It may have been spilled, drunk by someone else, or poured
away.
If you have dementia:
Try filling a jug in the morning, leave it somewhere visible and try to have finished the content of
it by a particular time (eg. lunchtime).
If this doesn’t work, write down what you are drinking if that helps or use a ‘drink and tick’ chart
Aim to get your main hydration from water but squashes, tea, coffees, milk and juice all count
Hydration can come from foods too – sorbets, soups, fruit
A smart hydration reminder (Ulla) can be used- see www.ulla.io. Can be purchased on
www.murrays.ie or Amazon
If you are supporting someone with dementia :
Offer small amounts of fluids regularly throughout the day
Have a drink on hand whenever the person is eating
Use a clear glass so the person can see what’s inside, or try a brightly coloured cup to draw
attention instead. Put it where they can see it clearly.
Offer different types of drink throughout the day such as tea, coffee, milky drinks, fruit juice or
smoothies, soup, squash and water.
Make sure the cup or glass is suitable – not too heavy or a difficult shape.
If the person is saying no when you offer them a drink:
Try leaving drinks in visible locations throughout the house so they can take them whenever they
wish
Have a drink with the person as they might be more inclined to drink with somebody
Offer foods that have a high liquid content, such as ice lollies, milk, jellies and yoghurt.
Information sourced from the Alzheimer Society UK website and Nutrition and Dementia booklet,
produced by The Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute and Office of Nursing and Midwifery
Some upcoming dates we wanted to let you know about:
July Social Club Outing
We are really looking forward to visiting Fine Oaks Alpacas, Rathcool on Thursday 17th July at 11am. This will followed by lunch in Kanturk for anyone who wants to come along.
Alpacas are gentle and friendly animals and we will have the opportunity to pet and interact with them as well as learning about them from staff at the farm. The farm is accessible for people with mobility issues.
To book your place please phone or text Sheena on 086 787 1818.
The visit to the farm will cost €10 per person.
Getting there – the farm can be difficult to locate so we will be meeting at Moll Carthys Bridge carpark at 11am and travelling in convoy to Fine Oaks.
August Social Club outing save the date – will take place on Thursday 14th August. Details to follow
Fermoy Support Group Launch
We are really pleased to let you know about a new support group we are launching for relatives of people with dementia. Starting on Thursday 7th August this group will be piloted for 3 months. It will take place 7-8.15pm in The Hub, Fermoy.
This will be an opportunity for relatives of people with dementia to meet each other to share experiences and get support from each other and from staff. For more information contact Sheena or Amy (numbers below).
The September Support Group will take place on Thursday 4th September, 7-8.15pm.
Newmarket Dementia Café return – Thursday 4th September, details to follow
Fermoy Dementia Café return – Wed 24th September, details to follow
Dates on other group returns will be made available asap.
Lewy Body Dementia Survey – please see attached call for participants for survey of care partners of people with Lewy Body Dementia
Hydration and dementia - Given the weather we are experiencing this a reminder about the importance of hydration.
All the best
Sheena and Amy
Sheena Cadoo
Occupational Therapist / North Cork Dementia Alliance Lead |Cork Kerry Community Healthcare | Health Service Executive| Memory Resource Room | Floor 2 | Mallow Primary Healthcare Centre| Mallow | Co Cork | Eircode: P51Y8EC.
Tel. 022/58700 | Mobile 086 787 1818 | E-mail: sheena.cadoo@hse.ie | www.ncdementiaalliance.ie | The North Cork Dementia Alliance is registered with the Charity Regulatory Authority . CRA No 2024866
Follow us on social media to find out about dementia services being provided throughout Cork. Facebook (Cork Dementia Services) and Instagram (corkdementiaservices)
No comments:
Post a Comment