Importance of Hydration: Tips for Care Assistants and Customers
As we enter into Spring, Caremark Greenwich aims to prioritise enhancing the health and well-being of both our customers and care assistants. Given that our care assistants operate in the field, it’s crucial to promote self-care among them, ensuring they are equipped to provide optimal support to our customers. Explore further for insights into the advantages of maintaining proper hydration and practical tips for self-care and aiding others.
Why we should drink more water and encourage our customers to hydrate too!
As we embark on the new year, Caremark Greenwich is dedicated to enhancing health and well-being within our organisation. Prioritising self-care for both our staff and customers is paramount, and we aim to offer straightforward guidance to all our team members. While there are numerous avenues to pursue, such as maintaining a balanced diet and increasing physical activity, one of the simplest and most effective ways to promote wellness and vitality is by increasing water intake.
The human body is composed of approximately 60% water, and it is recommended that individuals consume between 1.5 to 2 liters of water daily, depending on personal needs. The benefits of proper hydration are manifold and encompass various aspects of health and vitality.
What is dehydration?
This occurs when an individual consumes significantly less fluid than they lose. Fluid loss can happen through urination, respiration, and sweating, and when you’re on the move attending calls, it becomes even more crucial to ensure you stay hydrated!Hydration status strongly influences brain function, and studies indicate that even mild dehydration, such as a loss of 1-3% of body weight, can impair various aspects of cognitive function.
These are just a few ways that dehydration can impact our mental and physical health:
1. Significantly affects energy levels and brain function
Your brain is strongly impacted by how hydrated you are and studies show that even mild hydration, such as the loss of 1-3% of body weight, can impair many aspects of brain function.
- Mood (including increased feelings of anxiety)
- Concentration
- Fatigue
- Reduction in memory
- Brain performance
1. May help prevent and treat headaches
Dehydration can act as a trigger for headaches and migraines in certain individuals. Research indicates that headaches are among the most common symptoms of dehydration, and studies suggest that drinking water can alleviate headaches in those who frequently experience them.
2. May help relieve constipation
Constipation, characterised by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stool, is a common issue. Low water intake appears to be a risk factor for constipation across different age groups, and increasing hydration may help alleviate this condition.
3. Can aid weight loss
Hydrating adequately can support weight loss efforts. Some evidence suggests that boosting water consumption may aid in weight loss by slightly increasing metabolic rate.
Dementia and hydration
Ensure you prioritize adequate water intake every day—it’s one of the most beneficial actions you can take for your overall well-being! Your health matters to us, and maintaining proper hydration can significantly enhance how you feel. Moreover, it’s essential to encourage our customers to consume fluids and stay hydrated.
Takeaways
Make sure that you get enough water each day- it’s one of the best things you can do for your overall health! Your wellbeing is important for us too and the more hydrated you are, the better you will feel. We also need to encourage our customers to drink fluids and stay hydrated.
POINTERS FOR OUR CARE ASSISTANTS
- Aim to drink 1.5-2L of water a day
- Keep a water bottle handy and drink regularly throughout the day.
- Consume water approximately 30 minutes before meals.
TIPS TO ASSIST OUR CUSTOMERS
- Ensure a drink is available during lunch or tea calls when the customer is eating.
- If possible offer the person a cup or put it where they can see something
- Ensure water is left behind upon departure and encourage consumption whenever possible.