It’s very important to stay well hydrated in the hot weather, both for you and the person that you care for. Good hydration can help with the following:

• lessening the likelihood of urinary tract infections
• enabling people with diabetes to replace fluids
• avoiding low blood pressure
• preventing falls
• maintaining good cognitive functions (e.g. thinking and communicating)
• wound healing
• preventing constipation

Taking on sufficient fluids can also help you avoid headaches, dizziness, tiredness and confusion.

Ways to stay hydrated include:

• drinking water and other fluids such as weak squash and fruit tea throughout the day and at mealtimes
• having water available to drink and within easy reach
• eating fruits and vegetables with a high water content, such as oranges and cucumber
• having ice lollies (especially fruit-based)

If you or the person you care for does not produce any urine in a day, medical advice should be sought. This can be a symptom of an infection and, if left untreated, may develop into Sepsis, a life-threatening condition. You are more at risk of getting an infection if you have a weakened immune system, which may be due to a long-term condition such as diabetes, COPD, heart disease, or if you have a catheter, or if you are having chemotherapy.

To check whether you and the person you care for are adequately hydrated, use the hydration chart below.