Hydration and nutrition week 2026: staying hydrated as we age

Water is essential for many important processes in our body. From supporting our blood system in carrying essential glucose, oxygen, and nutrients to cells – to our kidneys getting rid of waste products we no longer need. It even lubricates our eyes and our joints, keeps our skin healthy, and helps our digestive system to function. 

It’s no wonder then, that we’re recommended to drink 6-8 glasses of water per day in the NHS’s Eatwell Guide. But staying properly hydrated as we age can become more difficult for lots of reasons.

In this blog, we’re shining a light on why hydration becomes a challenge in later life, how we support those living with dementia to increase their intake, and how to spot the early signs of dehydration.  

Why does hydration become a challenge?

As we age, our bodies undergo changes that make us more susceptible to dehydration. It is rarely as simple as “forgetting” to drink; often, there are underlying factors at play:

• Reduced thirst signal: the natural “I’m thirsty” trigger in the brain often weakens with age.
• Mobility hurdles: if getting to the kitchen is difficult, a person might drink less to avoid the trip.
• Cognitive changes: conditions like dementia can make it harder to communicate thirst or recognise the need to drink.
• Low mood: a loss of interest in food and drink can sometimes be a sign of feeling low or isolated.

With this in mind, what do we do at The Good Care Group to provide proper hydration?

Our approach to hydration at The Good Care Group

At The Good Care Group, we support hydration needs in a variety of different ways, which start with gaining a deep understanding of your loved one’s current health conditions, like dementia, and how this impacts their daily fluid intake.

We’ll also ensure regular communication with our client and family to learn why they may not want to drink fluids, so that we can identify the right solution. 

All of our carers are trained in proper hydration and nutrition, and are always aware of a client’s specific hydration needs. Our carers will always be supported by their care manager, and with more complex conditions, our Clinical Lead. This means that your loved one always receives the right level of support – including hydration.

Now you know how we approach hydration and nutrition, here are some ways you can support your loved ones at home.

Creative ways you can boost fluid intake 

Good hydration doesn’t have to mean drinking 6-8 glasses of plain water. Our care teams use a variety of tried-and-tested techniques to keep fluid levels high:

Flavour and chill: you can brighten up soft drinks with sugar-free squash or fresh fruit juice, while keeping drinks chilled often makes them more refreshing and “moreish.”

Hydration “treats”: we use innovative options like Jelly Drops. These award-winning, sugar-free treats are 95% water and turn hydration into a snack.

Eat your water: incorporate water-rich foods like cucumber, melon, and oranges. Ice creams and lollies are also fantastic (and popular) ways to boost intake.

Make it social: everything tastes better with company. Our carers often sit down to have a cup of tea or a glass of water with a loved one, making it a social highlight of the day.

Smart design: using lightweight cups, straws, or high-contrast coloured glassware can make the physical act of drinking much easier for those with tremors or visual impairments.

Spotting the signs of dehydration early

Beyond just thirst, keep an eye out for these subtle indicators of dehydration:

• Dry mouth or chapped lips.
• Sudden or increased fatigue.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• A decrease in urine output or darker-coloured urine.
• Unusually rapid breathing or low blood pressure.

To go one step further, our professional carers are trained to perform on-site urinalysis. By catching the early signs of a UTI, we can often avoid unnecessary hospital admissions and get our clients back to feeling their best quickly.

Looking for Specialist Support?

As one of the UK’s leading care providers, we pride ourselves on delivering expert, empathetic care that prioritises the whole person – from their medical needs and personal wishes to how they take their tea.

If you’d like to learn more about how we can support you or a loved one to live well at home, please visit our Contact Us page.