Fluid intake and hydration: critical indicators of nursing home quality.
Hydration issues are important considerations for the elderly and infirm. What was previously taken for granted often becomes the focus of daily attention. Nursing homes must take a proactive stance in designing systems and training staff to deal with hydration. The minimum daily fluid requirements, and the steps necessary to investigate suspected dehydration, should be well known and understood by all members of the staff.
Sullivan
Robert J
RJ
Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, USA. robert.sullivan@ncmail.net
D000368:Aged; D003681:Dehydration / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004327:Drinking Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000592:standards*; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000592:standards*; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care