Nourishing Menus: Hydration and Fluids
Adequate hydration is essential for health and well-being in aged care settings. This article outlines daily fluid targets, what counts as fluid, and practical strategies to support consistent fluid intake.
What about drinks?
Having enough to drink is important for many reasons. Symptoms of dehydration can be the same as those of illness and some medical conditions, so keeping older people well hydrated helps timely clinical management.
- Aim 1,500 – 2,000 ml each day
- Offer with each meal and mid-meal, keep jugs on tables, extra in hot weather, consider a hydration cart.
- Variety is important - what counts as fluid:
- Water
- Tea/coffee
- Juices
- Milk drinks / MILO® / SUSTAGEN®
- Soup
- Custard, yoghurt, ice-cream
- Jelly and ice blocks
- Cordial and soft drink
Thickened fluids still count towards fluid intake (the challenge is people often drink less). Nestlé Health Science offers THICKENUP® Clear, specifically designed to thicken fluids and support safe swallowing while helping residents maintain hydration.
To support hydration in everyday care settings, Nestlé Professional offers a broad range of beverage solutions tailored to health and aged care. From automated NESCAFÉ coffee machines that enable quick, consistent end cup delivery to familiar favourites like MILO®, NESCAFÉ and hot chocolate, all available in tin or sachet formats. Our total range of beverage solutions help care teams offer fluids practically, turning everyday hydration into comforting, familiar moments that residents can look forward to, whilst being simple for care staff to provide as part of a daily routine.
