Drinking Well Toolkit for Older People

Social enterprise, Housing 21, has been awarded £20,000 by the government backed Technology Strategy Board for the first phase of a project to develop a Drinking Well Toolkit for older people.

The leading provider of care, health and housing services will be working in partnership with Cranfield University and IBM on the project, which will study the prevention and detection of inadequate hydration. They will also trial and test a set of solutions within different settings, from people's own homes in the community to sheltered and extra care schemes and day centres.

Rachael Dutton, research manager for Housing 21 said: Hydration is an essential component of good nutrition and a fundamental requirement for the health of older people, who are particularly at risk if they don't drink enough. Even short-term low hydration can initiate or exacerbate health problems, such as urinary tract infections, and cause confusion, disorientation and impaired balance.

"We believe that implementing a set of effective solutions could reduce unnecessary illnesses, falls and hospital admisions."

Research carried out by Housing 21 found that 11% of residents have had at least one fall, often caused by dizziness or blackouts, where low hydration is likely to have been a factor. Other studies indicate that 25% of older people are dehydrated and in some settings, such as care homes and hospitals, this figure could be even higher.

The first phase of the project will use Cranfield University's expertise in sensors to develop a hydration measurement device which is easy to use, adaptable and non-invasive. It will also draw on feedback from older people, research findings as well as current guidelines and best practice. The second phase will focus on using this knowledge to refine and improve the components of the toolkit.

It is expected that succesful roll out of the toolkit ould lead the way in reducing the frequency of acute intervention and hospital admissions,  increase wellbeing and result in significant cost savings for care providers, the NHS and social services.

ENDS

Tel. 0370 192 4338

email: wendy.gornicki@housing21.co.uk