Mobility Decline Prevention
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Modules - Mobility Decline Prevention
OFFER FLUIDS
Before and after each of the four care episodes, CNAs should offer residents beverages such as water or juices. This twice-per-session fluid prompting is necessary to significantly increase fluid intake in this frail population.
For best results, offer residents a choice from a variety of beverages, ideally beverages not typically served during meals. This strategy results in fewer refusals to drink and increases intake.
Studies show that, while the majority of nursing home residents are at high risk for dehydration, few facilities offer fluids between meals. In one study, we found that staff offered residents between-meal beverages less than once per day on average.
Many workers erroneously believe that residents will request fluids, if thirsty, or retrieve a glass of water for themselves from their bedside pitcher. But few residents do this. One reason they don't is that the thirst sensation declines with age, so many older adults may not recognize that they are thirsty even when they are. In addition, cognitive impairment and depression can impair a resident's ability and motivation to seek out fluids. As a result, it is critical that staff not only offer fluids but also provide encouragement to residents to drink.
For more information about increasing residents' fluid and food intake, see our weight loss prevention training module.
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