When did you last have a drink?

Staying hydrated with 6-8 drinks a day is important for all of us, but older adults and people with dementia are at greater risk of dehydration, particularly in the summer, with hotter temperatures.

Dehydration can be a key trigger for someone to develop delirium.

Figures from one area of Greater Manchester last summer showed that the number of people with delirium increased significantly.

Dehydration may have contributed to this, so Dementia United (part of Greater Manchester Integrated Care) are running a summer campaign to raise awareness of delirium, learn its signs and symptoms and share tips on encouraging people to increase their water intake by:

• having more tea, coffee, fruit juice, smoothies, milkshakes, iced lollies and water
• eating fruit and vegetables with high water content: apples, oranges, watermelon, tomatoes, cucumber, spinach, strawberries and celery

We are joining this #ButFirstADrink campaign by sharing these posters and leaflets with you and with our carers and staff, as well as highlighting the additional resources here

• What is delirium? Tips for encouraging hydration. Poster
• When did you last drink something? Poster
• What is delirium? Leaflet

Please share this article with anyone you know who might find it helpful.

Looking for more inspiration?

Take a look at our delicious iced lolly challenge recipes!