Effective Hydration Interventions For Older People Living in Nursing Homes
Almeda, Eric; Bandojo, May Belle; Diga, Maria Christina (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202502263416
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202502263416
Tiivistelmä
As you age, the body reduces the water content, thirst response diminishes and the ability of the kidney to save water, making the older people vulnerable to dehydration. Lack of hydration in older people pose a significant health concern, this is due to several factors like forgetfulness, losing the ability to recognize thirst, medications, physical disabilities, and chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases which are commonly found in nursing care home population.
The purpose of the study was to identify the effective hydration interventions of older people aged 65 years old living in nursing care homes and improve the quality of care. The aim of the study was to gain knowledge about hydration of older people and educate the healthcare workers to support optimal fluid intake practices in nursing care homes.
The method used was a descriptive literature review. Data were collected in different data-bases Pubmed, Cinahl and ProQuest in English language. All articles were searched from no more than 10 years on effective hydration interventions of elderly people living in nursing care homes. A total of 9 articles were reviewed and analyzed using an inductive content analysis. The data was categorized into two (2) main units that were based on our research questions. Subsequently, 9 generic categories were identified. Studies reveal that the implementation of structured hydration interventions can increase fluid consumption and minimize the complications related to dehydration. Simple practices like offering fluids as scheduled, monitoring fluid intake, and encouraging the residents to stay hydrated are important, more specifically those with cognitive and mobility challenges. The role of healthcare staff, however, plays an important role in prioritizing hydration and the ability to engage the residents to drink adequate amount of fluid. On the other hand, elderly faced a unique barrier to achieve appropriate hydration. Primary barriers such as cognitive impairment, diminished thirst sensation, medications, urinary incontinence, lack of staff support due to high staff to resident ratio and inadequate hydration protocols. By addressing these barriers nursing homes can better support the hydration needs of elderly residents and help improve their overall well-being.
The purpose of the study was to identify the effective hydration interventions of older people aged 65 years old living in nursing care homes and improve the quality of care. The aim of the study was to gain knowledge about hydration of older people and educate the healthcare workers to support optimal fluid intake practices in nursing care homes.
The method used was a descriptive literature review. Data were collected in different data-bases Pubmed, Cinahl and ProQuest in English language. All articles were searched from no more than 10 years on effective hydration interventions of elderly people living in nursing care homes. A total of 9 articles were reviewed and analyzed using an inductive content analysis. The data was categorized into two (2) main units that were based on our research questions. Subsequently, 9 generic categories were identified. Studies reveal that the implementation of structured hydration interventions can increase fluid consumption and minimize the complications related to dehydration. Simple practices like offering fluids as scheduled, monitoring fluid intake, and encouraging the residents to stay hydrated are important, more specifically those with cognitive and mobility challenges. The role of healthcare staff, however, plays an important role in prioritizing hydration and the ability to engage the residents to drink adequate amount of fluid. On the other hand, elderly faced a unique barrier to achieve appropriate hydration. Primary barriers such as cognitive impairment, diminished thirst sensation, medications, urinary incontinence, lack of staff support due to high staff to resident ratio and inadequate hydration protocols. By addressing these barriers nursing homes can better support the hydration needs of elderly residents and help improve their overall well-being.