When the temperature climbs, hydration becomes one of the most important parts of caring for older people, and one of the easiest to overlook. At The Cambridgeshire Care Home, our team has found a way to make staying hydrated something Residents actually look forward to, even in the middle of a heatwave.
It’s an idea that’s now caught the attention of BBC Cambridgeshire. Here’s the story behind it.
Why hot weather is a real risk for older people
Dehydration is a genuine concern for older adults at the best of times, and extreme heat makes it worse. There are a few reasons for that.
As we age, the body’s sense of thirst becomes less reliable, so an older person can be dehydrated long before they actually feel thirsty. The body also holds less water than it once did, and some common medications increase the amount of fluid lost through the day. Put those together with a heatwave, and the risk rises quickly.
Left unchecked, dehydration in older people can lead to confusion, dizziness, a higher chance of falls, urinary infections and, in serious cases, a hospital admission. That’s exactly why we take hot weather seriously here — and why we don’t simply leave a jug of water on the side and hope for the best.
The cool idea behind the headlines
The challenge with hydration is a simple human one: people only drink and eat what appeals to them. Asking a Resident to “drink more water” doesn’t always work, especially in the heat when appetites drop.
So our Head Chef, Kevin Bridges, came up with a better answer — hydration droplets.
These are small, fresh fruit and water cubes, made into easy, appealing little shapes that Residents can pop straight into their mouths. They’re delicious, refreshing and genuinely fun to eat, and each one delivers a hit of fluid without anyone having to think about it. For Residents who struggle to drink enough during a heatwave, they’ve been a quiet game-changer.
It’s a lovely example of how a small, thoughtful idea from the kitchen can make a real difference to comfort and wellbeing.
More than a clever idea, a whole-home approach
The droplets are the part everyone notices, but they sit inside a much bigger plan for keeping Residents safe when the weather turns ( and create a delicious snack).
During hot spells our team keeps rooms and communal areas cool and shaded, encourages regular drinks throughout the day, adjusts activities to the cooler parts of the morning and evening, and keeps a closer eye on anyone more vulnerable to the heat. Hydration is built into mealtimes, snacks and the daily routine — not left to chance.
Looking after older people well in a heatwave is about consistency and attention to detail, and that’s what our staff bring every single day.
Hear the story on BBC Cambridgeshire
We’re delighted that the idea is getting some well-deserved attention. You can hear more about how we keep our Residents cool, comfortable, safe and hydrated on BBC Cambridgeshire with Louise Hulland on the drive time show.
And if you miss it, don’t worry, Head Chef Kevin Bridges will be back on Thursday to show Louise exactly how the hydration droplets are made. Tune in to find out more.
Reassurance for families
If you have a loved one living with us, or you’re thinking about care for a family member, we hope this gives you a sense of how we approach the small things that add up to good care. Keeping Residents hydrated and comfortable in a heatwave isn’t a one-off effort; it’s part of how our team thinks every day.
If you’d like to learn more about life at The Cambridgeshire Care Home, we’d be glad to hear from you and arrange a visit.
