As the temperature rises and the sun shines brightly, staying hydrated becomes crucial for everyone, especially for residents in aged care.
Dehydration can lead to various health issues, so it's essential for the elderly to find enjoyable ways to ensure they are getting enough fluids during the hot summer months.
In this blog post, we'll explore some fun and creative ways for residents to stay hydrated while embracing the warmth of the season.
Flavoured Water Stations: Set up a station with various infused water options, such as cucumber and mint, citrus fruits, or berries. Residents can mix and match flavours to create their personalised refreshing drinks.
Herbal Tea Time: Host a daily or weekly herbal tea time with a variety of caffeine-free herbal teas. This not only promotes hydration but also offers a relaxing and social activity.
Smoothie Sessions: Organise smoothie-making sessions where residents can blend together their favourite fruits with yogurt or milk. Smoothies are not only hydrating but also nutritious.
Icy Pole Parties: Make and serve homemade icy poles using fruit juices or purees. This is a fun and tasty way to increase fluid intake, especially during warmer months.
Hydration Challenges: Create friendly hydration challenges with rewards for achieving daily water intake goals. This can add an element of competition and motivation.
Water Aerobics or Exercise Classes: Incorporate water-based exercises or aerobics into the routine. This not only provides a fun physical activity but also encourages residents to drink water to stay hydrated during the sessions.
Fruit Infused Ice Cubes: Freeze small pieces of fruit in ice cube trays, and residents can add these flavoured ice cubes to their water. It adds a burst of flavour as the cubes melt.
Hydration Bingo: Create a bingo game where each square represents a different hydrating beverage or snack. Residents can mark off the squares as they consume these items, aiming to complete a "hydration bingo" within a set timeframe.
Coconut Water Tasting: Set up a coconut water tasting station with different flavours and brands. Coconut water is a hydrating and flavourful alternative to plain water.
Hydration Reminders with Music: Use familiar tunes or catchy jingles as hydration reminders. Play short musical clips or songs at regular intervals, signalling it's time to take a sip of water.
Customised Water Bottles: Provide residents with personalised water bottles that are easy to carry and have markings to track their daily water intake. Decorating the bottles can make it a creative and personal activity.
Hydration Stations in Common Areas: Ensure there are water stations easily accessible in common areas, making it convenient for residents to grab a drink whenever they pass by.
Staying hydrated in the summer doesn't have to be a chore; it can be a delightful and refreshing experience for residents. By incorporating these fun and creative ways to stay hydrated, everyone can enjoy the warmth of the season while ensuring well-being.