It’s not always obvious whether a resident is thirsty, but proper hydration is important when it comes to preventing and treating pressure ulcers. Our body needs plenty of fluids for our blood to carry vital oxygen and other nutrients to the cells.
Federal dehydration guidelines advise patients should take in at least one ounce of fluid for every 2.2 pounds of body weight daily. For example, a 150-pound man should drink at least 68 ounces of fluid per day – or roughly eight glasses of water.
To prevent dehydration cases, some homes have used a hydration cart offering a variety of fluids, from water and juice to hot chocolate and coffee. Since any fluid is better than no fluid, a variety of choices can help increase hydration and, ultimately, prevent pressure ulcers.
For more information on hydration, visit www.nhqualitycampaign.org, www.leadingagemissouri.org, and www.mohealthcare.com. For specific hydration interventions, visit Primaris' resource catalog and download tools like our long-term care hydration assessment worksheet.
Action Steps:
Remember that any fluid is better than no fluid!
Acknowledge residents’ preferences on things like fluid temperature. Use a care plan for these and other preferences. Make sure your home’s certified nursing assistants (CNAs) have access to the care plan.
- Provide fresh, new water regularly.
- Assure residents that toileting assistance will be provided as often as necessary.
- Check to make sure residents can reach and lift nearby pitchers of fluid.
- Consider implementing a hydration cart with a variety of fluids.
- Ask residents if they want water at least twice per shift.
- Offer fluid to every resident scheduled to be turned.
Tip 7: PUP Needs Water 