{"componentChunkName":"component---src-templates-blog-post-js","path":"/blog/dehydration-in-older-adults-a-commonly-missed-risk-at-home/","result":{"data":{"ghostPost":{"html":"

Of all the risks facing an older person living at home, dehydration is one of the most common, one of the most serious, and one of the easiest to miss entirely. It rarely announces itself. It creeps up quietly, and by the time it becomes obvious, real harm may already have been done.

The good news is that it is very preventable, once you know what to look for. Here is why older adults are so vulnerable to dehydration, the signs that are so easily missed, and what genuinely helps at home.

Why older adults are more at risk

\"\"

Dehydration is not simply a matter of forgetting to drink. Several things make it far more likely in later life.

Thirst fades with age. This is the crucial one. As we get older, the sense of thirst weakens, so an older person can become quite dehydrated without ever feeling thirsty. The body's usual warning system simply stops sounding the alarm.

The body holds on to water less efficiently. Kidney function changes with age, meaning more fluid is lost.

Some people deliberately drink less. This is more common than families realise. Someone worried about incontinence, or about struggling to get to the bathroom in time, or about needing help to get there, may quietly cut back on fluids to avoid the problem. It is completely understandable, and it is dangerous.

Medications can increase fluid loss. Diuretics (\"water tablets\"), often prescribed for blood pressure or heart conditions, are a common example.

Practical barriers. Reduced mobility can make getting a drink harder. Weak hands or tremor make cups difficult. Swallowing difficulties can make drinking uncomfortable. And someone living with dementia may simply forget to drink, or forget that they already have.

Illness and hot weather increase fluid loss further, which is why dehydration so often accompanies a bug or a heatwave.

Why it gets missed

\"\"

Here is the part every family should know. In older adults, dehydration frequently does not look like dehydration.

Instead of an obvious thirst, it often shows up as sudden confusion, drowsiness, dizziness or a fall. Families understandably assume they are seeing a decline in cognition, or the beginnings of dementia, or simply \"one of those days.\" Very often, what they are actually seeing is dehydration, and it can be corrected.

This is worth saying plainly: a sudden change in confusion or alertness in an older person is not normal ageing. It is a signal that something is wrong, and dehydration, along with infection, is one of the most common culprits.

Why it matters so much

\"\"

Left unchecked, dehydration is genuinely serious. It can lead to falls (through dizziness and weakness), urinary tract infections, constipation, kidney problems, worsening confusion, low blood pressure, and hospital admission. In frail older people, it can be very serious indeed.

It also compounds other problems. A dehydrated person is more likely to fall, less likely to eat well, and slower to recover from illness.

Signs to look out for

Urine colour is one of the simplest and most useful checks there is. Pale straw is what you want to see.

What helps at home

\"\"

Preventing dehydration is mostly about small, consistent habits.

Offer drinks regularly, without waiting for thirst. Since thirst is an unreliable guide in later life, drinks need to be offered proactively throughout the day, not just when asked for.

Keep a drink within easy reach, always, and make sure the cup is one your loved one can actually manage comfortably.

Build drinks into the routine, with a drink at every meal, with medication, on waking, and at regular points through the day. Routine works better than reminders.

Offer variety. Water is ideal, but it does not have to be water. Tea, coffee in moderation, squash, milk, juice, soup and even jelly all count, and someone is far more likely to drink something they actually enjoy.

Use food, too. Water-rich foods like fruit, salad, soup, yoghurt and ice lollies all contribute more fluid than people realise.

Take the toilet worry seriously. If your loved one is cutting back on fluids because of the bathroom, do not dismiss it. Address the underlying problem, whether that means help getting to the toilet, a continence assessment via the GP, or making the route safer and easier. Solving that problem is often what solves the dehydration.

Be extra vigilant in hot weather, and during illness, especially with any vomiting, diarrhoea or fever.

Review medications with a GP or pharmacist if fluid loss seems to be an issue.

When to seek help

Speak to a GP or NHS 111 if your loved one shows signs of dehydration that do not improve after drinking, or if they are unwell with vomiting or diarrhoea and cannot keep fluids down.

Seek urgent medical help if they become confused, very drowsy, difficult to rouse, or unusually unwell, or if they are passing very little urine. Sudden confusion in an older person always warrants prompt medical attention, as it can indicate dehydration, infection or something more serious.

How live-in care helps

\"\"

Dehydration is one of the clearest examples of why simply having someone there matters so much.

A live-in carer offers drinks throughout the day rather than waiting to be asked, builds hydration into daily routines, prepares meals with plenty of fluid-rich foods, and keeps a discreet eye on how much your loved one is actually drinking. They can also spot the early warning signs, including the subtle ones like confusion or unsteadiness, and act on them promptly rather than waiting until things become serious.

And because they know your loved one well, they notice when something is not quite right, which is often the difference between a small problem caught early and an emergency.

This is also where careful monitoring comes into its own. At Edyn, our carers keep track of everyday wellbeing indicators, including how much someone is eating and drinking, which means changes can be picked up quickly rather than going unnoticed.

A small thing that makes a big difference

Something as simple as a glass of water, offered regularly and kindly, can prevent falls, infections and hospital admissions. It is one of the quietest, most effective forms of care there is.

If you are worried about a loved one managing at home, we would be glad to talk through how we could help keep them safe and well.

Book a free care advice call, or give us a ring on 020 3970 9900.

This guide offers general information and is not medical advice. If you are concerned about a loved one's health or hydration, please speak to their GP or call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.

","html_sections":{"json":[{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Of all the risks facing an older person living at home, dehydration is one of the most common, one of the most serious, and one of the easiest to miss entirely. It rarely announces itself. It creeps up quietly, and by the time it becomes obvious, real harm may already have been done.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"The good news is that it is very preventable, once you know what to look for. 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The body's usual warning system simply stops sounding the alarm.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"The body holds on to water less efficiently. Kidney function changes with age, meaning more fluid is lost.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Some people deliberately drink less. This is more common than families realise. Someone worried about incontinence, or about struggling to get to the bathroom in time, or about needing help to get there, may quietly cut back on fluids to avoid the problem. It is completely understandable, and it is dangerous.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Medications can increase fluid loss. Diuretics (\"water tablets\"), often prescribed for blood pressure or heart conditions, are a common example.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Practical barriers. Reduced mobility can make getting a drink harder. Weak hands or tremor make cups difficult. Swallowing difficulties can make drinking uncomfortable. And someone living with dementia may simply forget to drink, or forget that they already have.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Illness and hot weather increase fluid loss further, which is why dehydration so often accompanies a bug or a heatwave.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"H2","innerHtml":"Why it gets missed","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":"why-it-gets-missed"}},{"tagName":"FIGURE","innerHtml":"\"\"","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":"kg-card kg-image-card","id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Here is the part every family should know. In older adults, dehydration frequently does not look like dehydration.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Instead of an obvious thirst, it often shows up as sudden confusion, drowsiness, dizziness or a fall. Families understandably assume they are seeing a decline in cognition, or the beginnings of dementia, or simply \"one of those days.\" Very often, what they are actually seeing is dehydration, and it can be corrected.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"This is worth saying plainly: a sudden change in confusion or alertness in an older person is not normal ageing. It is a signal that something is wrong, and dehydration, along with infection, is one of the most common culprits.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"H2","innerHtml":"Why it matters so much","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":"why-it-matters-so-much"}},{"tagName":"FIGURE","innerHtml":"\"\"","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":"kg-card kg-image-card","id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Left unchecked, dehydration is genuinely serious. It can lead to falls (through dizziness and weakness), urinary tract infections, constipation, kidney problems, worsening confusion, low blood pressure, and hospital admission. In frail older people, it can be very serious indeed.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"It also compounds other problems. 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  • dark, strong-smelling urine, or passing less urine than usual
  • a dry mouth, lips or tongue
  • confusion, drowsiness or unusual irritability
  • dizziness, light-headedness or unsteadiness
  • headaches
  • tiredness or weakness
  • sunken eyes
  • constipation
  • skin that stays \"tented\" briefly when gently pinched, though this is less reliable in older people
    • ","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Urine colour is one of the simplest and most useful checks there is. Pale straw is what you want to see.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"H2","innerHtml":"What helps at home","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":"what-helps-at-home"}},{"tagName":"FIGURE","innerHtml":"\"\"","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":"kg-card kg-image-card","id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Preventing dehydration is mostly about small, consistent habits.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Offer drinks regularly, without waiting for thirst. Since thirst is an unreliable guide in later life, drinks need to be offered proactively throughout the day, not just when asked for.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Keep a drink within easy reach, always, and make sure the cup is one your loved one can actually manage comfortably.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Build drinks into the routine, with a drink at every meal, with medication, on waking, and at regular points through the day. Routine works better than reminders.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Offer variety. Water is ideal, but it does not have to be water. Tea, coffee in moderation, squash, milk, juice, soup and even jelly all count, and someone is far more likely to drink something they actually enjoy.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Use food, too. Water-rich foods like fruit, salad, soup, yoghurt and ice lollies all contribute more fluid than people realise.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Take the toilet worry seriously. If your loved one is cutting back on fluids because of the bathroom, do not dismiss it. Address the underlying problem, whether that means help getting to the toilet, a continence assessment via the GP, or making the route safer and easier. Solving that problem is often what solves the dehydration.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Be extra vigilant in hot weather, and during illness, especially with any vomiting, diarrhoea or fever.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Review medications with a GP or pharmacist if fluid loss seems to be an issue.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"H2","innerHtml":"When to seek help","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":"when-to-seek-help"}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Speak to a GP or NHS 111 if your loved one shows signs of dehydration that do not improve after drinking, or if they are unwell with vomiting or diarrhoea and cannot keep fluids down.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Seek urgent medical help if they become confused, very drowsy, difficult to rouse, or unusually unwell, or if they are passing very little urine. Sudden confusion in an older person always warrants prompt medical attention, as it can indicate dehydration, infection or something more serious.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"H2","innerHtml":"How live-in care helps","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":"how-live-in-care-helps"}},{"tagName":"FIGURE","innerHtml":"\"\"","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":"kg-card kg-image-card","id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Dehydration is one of the clearest examples of why simply having someone there matters so much.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"A live-in carer offers drinks throughout the day rather than waiting to be asked, builds hydration into daily routines, prepares meals with plenty of fluid-rich foods, and keeps a discreet eye on how much your loved one is actually drinking. They can also spot the early warning signs, including the subtle ones like confusion or unsteadiness, and act on them promptly rather than waiting until things become serious.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"And because they know your loved one well, they notice when something is not quite right, which is often the difference between a small problem caught early and an emergency.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"This is also where careful monitoring comes into its own. At Edyn, our carers keep track of everyday wellbeing indicators, including how much someone is eating and drinking, which means changes can be picked up quickly rather than going unnoticed.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"H2","innerHtml":"A small thing that makes a big difference","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":"a-small-thing-that-makes-a-big-difference"}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Something as simple as a glass of water, offered regularly and kindly, can prevent falls, infections and hospital admissions. It is one of the quietest, most effective forms of care there is.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"If you are worried about a loved one managing at home, we would be glad to talk through how we could help keep them safe and well.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"Book a free care advice call, or give us a ring on 020 3970 9900.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}},{"tagName":"P","innerHtml":"This guide offers general information and is not medical advice. If you are concerned about a loved one's health or hydration, please speak to their GP or call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.","attributes":{"data_edyn_component":null,"data_edyn_url":null,"class":null,"id":null}}]},"title":"Dehydration in older adults: a commonly missed risk at home","primary_tag":{"name":"Safety, health and wellbeing"},"slug":"dehydration-in-older-adults-a-commonly-missed-risk-at-home","published_at":"15 Jul 2026","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#080808","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/91fce8d9f4cba941c106264f7e668d8a/3c646/AdobeStock_191953491--1-.jpg","srcSet":"/static/91fce8d9f4cba941c106264f7e668d8a/28380/AdobeStock_191953491--1-.jpg 500w,\n/static/91fce8d9f4cba941c106264f7e668d8a/6e54a/AdobeStock_191953491--1-.jpg 1000w,\n/static/91fce8d9f4cba941c106264f7e668d8a/3c646/AdobeStock_191953491--1-.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/91fce8d9f4cba941c106264f7e668d8a/76f01/AdobeStock_191953491--1-.webp 500w,\n/static/91fce8d9f4cba941c106264f7e668d8a/bd81f/AdobeStock_191953491--1-.webp 1000w,\n/static/91fce8d9f4cba941c106264f7e668d8a/1c6e9/AdobeStock_191953491--1-.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1335}}},"primary_author":{"bio":"Communications and Marketing Lead","name":"Jamie Shie","profile_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#383838","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/4ce69bfa95322a3b177d8c8b946cc319/2e55b/Screenshot-2026-06-22-at-09.28.27.png","srcSet":"/static/4ce69bfa95322a3b177d8c8b946cc319/5fbde/Screenshot-2026-06-22-at-09.28.27.png 132w,\n/static/4ce69bfa95322a3b177d8c8b946cc319/6672c/Screenshot-2026-06-22-at-09.28.27.png 264w,\n/static/4ce69bfa95322a3b177d8c8b946cc319/2e55b/Screenshot-2026-06-22-at-09.28.27.png 528w","sizes":"(min-width: 528px) 528px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/4ce69bfa95322a3b177d8c8b946cc319/df6d7/Screenshot-2026-06-22-at-09.28.27.webp 132w,\n/static/4ce69bfa95322a3b177d8c8b946cc319/5bda5/Screenshot-2026-06-22-at-09.28.27.webp 264w,\n/static/4ce69bfa95322a3b177d8c8b946cc319/3155f/Screenshot-2026-06-22-at-09.28.27.webp 528w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 528px) 528px, 100vw"}]},"width":528,"height":466}}}}},"relatedPosts":{"nodes":[{"title":"Sleep problems in older adults: causes and home-based solutions","slug":"sleep-problems-in-older-adults-causes-and-home-based-solutions","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#e8e8e8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/767036c9dbd1ed1a2fcd43da41fa19f2/3c646/curated-lifestyle-GUgj5BjWp-8-unsplash-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/767036c9dbd1ed1a2fcd43da41fa19f2/28380/curated-lifestyle-GUgj5BjWp-8-unsplash-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/767036c9dbd1ed1a2fcd43da41fa19f2/6e54a/curated-lifestyle-GUgj5BjWp-8-unsplash-1.jpg 1000w,\n/static/767036c9dbd1ed1a2fcd43da41fa19f2/3c646/curated-lifestyle-GUgj5BjWp-8-unsplash-1.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/767036c9dbd1ed1a2fcd43da41fa19f2/76f01/curated-lifestyle-GUgj5BjWp-8-unsplash-1.webp 500w,\n/static/767036c9dbd1ed1a2fcd43da41fa19f2/bd81f/curated-lifestyle-GUgj5BjWp-8-unsplash-1.webp 1000w,\n/static/767036c9dbd1ed1a2fcd43da41fa19f2/1c6e9/curated-lifestyle-GUgj5BjWp-8-unsplash-1.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1335}}},"excerpt":"A bad night's sleep is miserable at any age. In later life, it can be more than that. Poor sleep drains energy and lifts anxiety, but it also raises the risk of falls, clouds memory and concentration, lowers mood, and makes existing health problems harder to manage. And when an older person is awake and restless at night, the whole household often loses sleep with them.\n\nThe encouraging news is that sleep problems are rarely inevitable, and there is a great deal that can help. Here is what tends","published_at":"15 Jul 2026"},{"title":"Companionship as care: why loneliness is a health issue too","slug":"companionship-as-care-why-loneliness-is-a-health-issue-too","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#f8f8f8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/ced33bbafbaae2eecd708e399c1017a7/3c646/curated-lifestyle-2V97EL093go-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ced33bbafbaae2eecd708e399c1017a7/28380/curated-lifestyle-2V97EL093go-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/ced33bbafbaae2eecd708e399c1017a7/6e54a/curated-lifestyle-2V97EL093go-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/ced33bbafbaae2eecd708e399c1017a7/3c646/curated-lifestyle-2V97EL093go-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/ced33bbafbaae2eecd708e399c1017a7/76f01/curated-lifestyle-2V97EL093go-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/ced33bbafbaae2eecd708e399c1017a7/bd81f/curated-lifestyle-2V97EL093go-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/ced33bbafbaae2eecd708e399c1017a7/1c6e9/curated-lifestyle-2V97EL093go-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1335}}},"excerpt":"When families think about care, they usually think about the practical things: help with washing and dressing, medication, meals, mobility, safety. All of it matters enormously. But there is another part of care that is easy to underestimate, and it may be just as important to your loved one's health as any of it.\n\nCompanionship.\n\nIt is tempting to think of company as a pleasant extra, the nice-to-have that sits alongside the \"real\" care. The evidence says otherwise. Loneliness is not just sad. ","published_at":"15 Jul 2026"},{"title":"Dehydration in older adults: a commonly missed risk at home","slug":"dehydration-in-older-adults-a-commonly-missed-risk-at-home","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#080808","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/91fce8d9f4cba941c106264f7e668d8a/3c646/AdobeStock_191953491--1-.jpg","srcSet":"/static/91fce8d9f4cba941c106264f7e668d8a/28380/AdobeStock_191953491--1-.jpg 500w,\n/static/91fce8d9f4cba941c106264f7e668d8a/6e54a/AdobeStock_191953491--1-.jpg 1000w,\n/static/91fce8d9f4cba941c106264f7e668d8a/3c646/AdobeStock_191953491--1-.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/91fce8d9f4cba941c106264f7e668d8a/76f01/AdobeStock_191953491--1-.webp 500w,\n/static/91fce8d9f4cba941c106264f7e668d8a/bd81f/AdobeStock_191953491--1-.webp 1000w,\n/static/91fce8d9f4cba941c106264f7e668d8a/1c6e9/AdobeStock_191953491--1-.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1335}}},"excerpt":"Of all the risks facing an older person living at home, dehydration is one of the most common, one of the most serious, and one of the easiest to miss entirely. It rarely announces itself. It creeps up quietly, and by the time it becomes obvious, real harm may already have been done.\n\nThe good news is that it is very preventable, once you know what to look for. Here is why older adults are so vulnerable to dehydration, the signs that are so easily missed, and what genuinely helps at home.\n\n\nWhy ","published_at":"15 Jul 2026"},{"title":"UTIs and sudden confusion in older adults: why it is often mistaken for dementia","slug":"utis-and-sudden-confusion-in-older-adults-why-it-is-often-mistaken-for-dementia","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#e8e8e8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/efa871d5c6693a842238062af134172f/3c646/curated-lifestyle-kb0dClMo6CI-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/efa871d5c6693a842238062af134172f/28380/curated-lifestyle-kb0dClMo6CI-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/efa871d5c6693a842238062af134172f/6e54a/curated-lifestyle-kb0dClMo6CI-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/efa871d5c6693a842238062af134172f/3c646/curated-lifestyle-kb0dClMo6CI-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/efa871d5c6693a842238062af134172f/76f01/curated-lifestyle-kb0dClMo6CI-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/efa871d5c6693a842238062af134172f/bd81f/curated-lifestyle-kb0dClMo6CI-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/efa871d5c6693a842238062af134172f/1c6e9/curated-lifestyle-kb0dClMo6CI-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1335}}},"excerpt":"It is a scene that plays out in families all the time. A parent who was perfectly sharp last week is suddenly muddled. They do not know what day it is. They seem agitated, or unusually drowsy. They say things that make no sense, or seem not to recognise where they are.\n\nThe family's heart sinks, because there seems to be only one explanation. Dementia. It has finally arrived, or taken a sudden turn for the worse.\n\nBut very often, that is not what is happening at all. And knowing the difference i","published_at":"15 Jul 2026"},{"title":"Winter safety for older adults","slug":"winter-safety-for-older-adults","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#180808","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/e415430833396a9c1bb3078f6b1a5ed1/94182/getty-images-uSPGbVTywck-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e415430833396a9c1bb3078f6b1a5ed1/26cfb/getty-images-uSPGbVTywck-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/e415430833396a9c1bb3078f6b1a5ed1/826b9/getty-images-uSPGbVTywck-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/e415430833396a9c1bb3078f6b1a5ed1/94182/getty-images-uSPGbVTywck-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/e415430833396a9c1bb3078f6b1a5ed1/921bf/getty-images-uSPGbVTywck-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/e415430833396a9c1bb3078f6b1a5ed1/323e8/getty-images-uSPGbVTywck-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/e415430833396a9c1bb3078f6b1a5ed1/9181c/getty-images-uSPGbVTywck-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1331}}},"excerpt":"Winter has its own quiet beauty, but for older adults the colder months bring some very real risks. Cold weather is harder on the ageing body than many people realise, and it comes bundled with slippery pavements, dark afternoons, and the seasonal bugs that tend to hit older people hardest.\n\nWith a little preparation and care, though, these risks can be managed, and your loved one can stay safe, warm and well right through to spring. Here is how to help them through the winter.\n\n\nWhy winter is r","published_at":"09 Jul 2026"},{"title":"Long-distance caregiving: staying involved when you live far away","slug":"long-distance-caregiving-staying-involved-when-you-live-far-away","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#080808","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/ed4975169b26131f671120539a26c6b8/f19bc/centre-for-ageing-better-DkDOb9u_1cA-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ed4975169b26131f671120539a26c6b8/26cfb/centre-for-ageing-better-DkDOb9u_1cA-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/ed4975169b26131f671120539a26c6b8/1b035/centre-for-ageing-better-DkDOb9u_1cA-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/ed4975169b26131f671120539a26c6b8/f19bc/centre-for-ageing-better-DkDOb9u_1cA-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/ed4975169b26131f671120539a26c6b8/921bf/centre-for-ageing-better-DkDOb9u_1cA-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/ed4975169b26131f671120539a26c6b8/b7ef5/centre-for-ageing-better-DkDOb9u_1cA-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/ed4975169b26131f671120539a26c6b8/c9c6a/centre-for-ageing-better-DkDOb9u_1cA-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1333}}},"excerpt":"Caring for a loved one when you live far away, in another city, or even another country, comes with its own particular ache. There is the worry of not being there, the guilt that quietly follows you around, and the frustrating sense of being out of the loop, never quite sure how your parent or relative is really doing.\n\nIf you are a long-distance caregiver, you carry a great deal, often silently. The reassuring truth is that there is a lot you can do to stay genuinely involved, and genuinely rea","published_at":"09 Jul 2026"},{"title":"Heatwave safety for older adults","slug":"heatwave-safety-for-older-adults","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#f8f8f8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/619608ba6e7edd1afbecb2eeab78c382/f19bc/a-c-iVfZ6sA_xhg-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/619608ba6e7edd1afbecb2eeab78c382/26cfb/a-c-iVfZ6sA_xhg-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/619608ba6e7edd1afbecb2eeab78c382/1b035/a-c-iVfZ6sA_xhg-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/619608ba6e7edd1afbecb2eeab78c382/f19bc/a-c-iVfZ6sA_xhg-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/619608ba6e7edd1afbecb2eeab78c382/921bf/a-c-iVfZ6sA_xhg-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/619608ba6e7edd1afbecb2eeab78c382/b7ef5/a-c-iVfZ6sA_xhg-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/619608ba6e7edd1afbecb2eeab78c382/c9c6a/a-c-iVfZ6sA_xhg-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1333}}},"excerpt":"When the summer sun arrives, it is tempting to think of hot weather as nothing but a treat. But for older adults, a heatwave can be genuinely dangerous. Our bodies become less able to cope with heat as we age, and every summer, hot spells pose real risks to older people's health.\n\nThe reassuring news is that, with a little awareness and some simple steps, those risks can be greatly reduced. Here is how to help an older loved one stay safe, cool and well when the temperature climbs.\n\n\nWhy older a","published_at":"09 Jul 2026"},{"title":"How do we keep your loved one's money safe?","slug":"how-do-we-keep-your-loved-ones-money-safe","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#c8d8c8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/e1f1e7c18c3ea6d71c52652a18e7a478/dbd40/vitaly-gariev-KEBUtOS3yFc-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e1f1e7c18c3ea6d71c52652a18e7a478/d3119/vitaly-gariev-KEBUtOS3yFc-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/e1f1e7c18c3ea6d71c52652a18e7a478/26b49/vitaly-gariev-KEBUtOS3yFc-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/e1f1e7c18c3ea6d71c52652a18e7a478/dbd40/vitaly-gariev-KEBUtOS3yFc-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/e1f1e7c18c3ea6d71c52652a18e7a478/cd07d/vitaly-gariev-KEBUtOS3yFc-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/e1f1e7c18c3ea6d71c52652a18e7a478/bf95e/vitaly-gariev-KEBUtOS3yFc-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/e1f1e7c18c3ea6d71c52652a18e7a478/d36eb/vitaly-gariev-KEBUtOS3yFc-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1125}}},"excerpt":"Trusting someone to come into your loved one's home sometimes means trusting them around money too, for the weekly shop, perhaps, or a small errand. It is completely natural to want to know how that is handled, and to be sure your loved one's money is safe.\n\nIt is something we have thought about very carefully, and built real safeguards around. These protect your loved one, protect their finances, and protect everyone involved from any misunderstanding. Here is how it works.\n\n\nOnly when it is ne","published_at":"08 Jul 2026"},{"title":"Moving and handling: how our carers keep your loved one safe and mobile","slug":"moving-and-handling-how-our-carers-keep-your-loved-one-safe-and-mobile","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#f8f8f8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/ab21297b081ff715db9be1ff098ded77/81791/getty-images-meSXWwLc11A-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ab21297b081ff715db9be1ff098ded77/cf2d1/getty-images-meSXWwLc11A-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/ab21297b081ff715db9be1ff098ded77/b3b6f/getty-images-meSXWwLc11A-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/ab21297b081ff715db9be1ff098ded77/81791/getty-images-meSXWwLc11A-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/ab21297b081ff715db9be1ff098ded77/d731e/getty-images-meSXWwLc11A-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/ab21297b081ff715db9be1ff098ded77/993a1/getty-images-meSXWwLc11A-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/ab21297b081ff715db9be1ff098ded77/fe213/getty-images-meSXWwLc11A-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1329}}},"excerpt":"As we get older, the everyday movements most of us take for granted, getting out of bed, rising from a chair, walking to the bathroom, can become harder and, at times, risky. So it is a very natural question for families to ask: can a live-in carer help with this, safely?\n\nThe answer is yes. Helping someone move safely and comfortably, known in care as \"moving and handling,\" is a core part of what our carers do. But how it is done matters enormously, both for your loved one's safety and for thei","published_at":"08 Jul 2026"},{"title":"How do our carers handle medication safely?","slug":"how-do-our-carers-handle-medication-safely","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#e8e8d8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/0f3c87243609dba00f52788ee8c74edf/f19bc/getty-images-5xgvpyTO6hQ-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0f3c87243609dba00f52788ee8c74edf/26cfb/getty-images-5xgvpyTO6hQ-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/0f3c87243609dba00f52788ee8c74edf/1b035/getty-images-5xgvpyTO6hQ-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/0f3c87243609dba00f52788ee8c74edf/f19bc/getty-images-5xgvpyTO6hQ-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/0f3c87243609dba00f52788ee8c74edf/921bf/getty-images-5xgvpyTO6hQ-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/0f3c87243609dba00f52788ee8c74edf/b7ef5/getty-images-5xgvpyTO6hQ-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/0f3c87243609dba00f52788ee8c74edf/c9c6a/getty-images-5xgvpyTO6hQ-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1333}}},"excerpt":"Of all the things families think about when arranging care, medication is often near the top of the list. Is my loved one getting the right medicines, at the right times? Is it being handled safely? Are they still being treated as an adult who can make their own choices? These are important questions, and entirely the right ones to ask.\n\nManaging medication well is a core part of good care, and it is something we take extremely seriously. Here is how our carers handle it: safely, accurately, and","published_at":"08 Jul 2026"},{"title":"What happens if there is an accident?","slug":"what-happens-if-there-is-an-accident","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#f8f8f8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/0a635e6549d0c7b2da01761722255444/3c646/curated-lifestyle-HbZtBWfrs9Y-unsplash.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0a635e6549d0c7b2da01761722255444/28380/curated-lifestyle-HbZtBWfrs9Y-unsplash.jpg 500w,\n/static/0a635e6549d0c7b2da01761722255444/6e54a/curated-lifestyle-HbZtBWfrs9Y-unsplash.jpg 1000w,\n/static/0a635e6549d0c7b2da01761722255444/3c646/curated-lifestyle-HbZtBWfrs9Y-unsplash.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/0a635e6549d0c7b2da01761722255444/76f01/curated-lifestyle-HbZtBWfrs9Y-unsplash.webp 500w,\n/static/0a635e6549d0c7b2da01761722255444/bd81f/curated-lifestyle-HbZtBWfrs9Y-unsplash.webp 1000w,\n/static/0a635e6549d0c7b2da01761722255444/1c6e9/curated-lifestyle-HbZtBWfrs9Y-unsplash.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1335}}},"excerpt":"It is one of the worries that sits quietly at the back of every family's mind when arranging care: what if something goes wrong? What if my loved one has a fall, or there is a mistake? It is a completely fair question, and one you should feel able to ask any care provider.\n\nThe honest truth is that accidents can, occasionally, happen, particularly in later life. No one can promise they never will. What truly matters is how a provider works to prevent them, how they respond when something does ha","published_at":"08 Jul 2026"},{"title":"Mental capacity: how our carers respect your loved one's right to choose","slug":"mental-capacity-how-our-carers-respect-your-loved-ones-right-to-choose","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#e8d8c8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/d139ff9867c752946093cf28158312f4/37b92/AdobeStock_84435251-1-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d139ff9867c752946093cf28158312f4/915f2/AdobeStock_84435251-1-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/d139ff9867c752946093cf28158312f4/1db5b/AdobeStock_84435251-1-1.jpg 1000w,\n/static/d139ff9867c752946093cf28158312f4/37b92/AdobeStock_84435251-1-1.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/d139ff9867c752946093cf28158312f4/a5233/AdobeStock_84435251-1-1.webp 500w,\n/static/d139ff9867c752946093cf28158312f4/1dd10/AdobeStock_84435251-1-1.webp 1000w,\n/static/d139ff9867c752946093cf28158312f4/de019/AdobeStock_84435251-1-1.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":2023}}},"excerpt":"As a loved one grows older, or lives with a condition such as dementia, families sometimes find themselves worrying about decision-making. Who decides what is best? And, importantly, is my loved one's right to make their own choices still respected and protected?\n\nIt is a sensitive and genuinely important area, guided both by law and by a deep respect for the person at the heart of it. Here is how our carers approach mental capacity, and how we protect your loved one's right to choose for themse","published_at":"08 Jul 2026"},{"title":"End-of-life care at home","slug":"end-of-life-care-at-home","feature_image_sharp":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#887868","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/caab09f96b549783849fde62488e1c36/3c646/AdobeStock_242427744.jpg","srcSet":"/static/caab09f96b549783849fde62488e1c36/28380/AdobeStock_242427744.jpg 500w,\n/static/caab09f96b549783849fde62488e1c36/6e54a/AdobeStock_242427744.jpg 1000w,\n/static/caab09f96b549783849fde62488e1c36/3c646/AdobeStock_242427744.jpg 2000w","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/caab09f96b549783849fde62488e1c36/76f01/AdobeStock_242427744.webp 500w,\n/static/caab09f96b549783849fde62488e1c36/bd81f/AdobeStock_242427744.webp 1000w,\n/static/caab09f96b549783849fde62488e1c36/1c6e9/AdobeStock_242427744.webp 2000w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 2000px) 2000px, 100vw"}]},"width":2000,"height":1335}}},"excerpt":"There are few times in life harder than knowing someone you love is approaching the end of theirs. Amid the sadness and the many questions, most families find themselves holding on to one simple, deeply human wish: for their loved one to be comfortable, to keep their dignity, and, wherever possible, to spend their final chapter in the place they feel safest and happiest, at home.\n\nThis guide is here to help you understand what end-of-life care at home involves, how live-in care can support it, a","published_at":"08 Jul 2026"}]}},"pageContext":{"slug":"dehydration-in-older-adults-a-commonly-missed-risk-at-home","tagSlug":"safety-health-and-wellbeing","feature_image":"https://storage.ghost.io/c/57/1f/571fdc8a-aa9a-4837-a3ef-49c48fe6bc13/content/images/2026/07/AdobeStock_191953491--1-.jpeg"}},"staticQueryHashes":["2482565613","267138725"]}