Raising a Glass to Resident Wellbeing: Orchard’s Hydration Strategy

As the UK experiences hotter summers, keeping residents safe and well-hydrated becomes a top priority across our care homes. At Orchard Care Homes, we’ve taken a proactive and personalised approach to hydration that reflects our commitment to resident wellbeing.

Jason Hunter, our Catering Lead, shares how his team is making hydration not just a necessity, but a part of daily life that residents enjoy and look forward to.

For older adults, staying hydrated can be especially challenging. “As we age, our sense of thirst naturally diminishes, so many older people don’t feel thirsty, even when their bodies need fluids,” Jason explains. Other factors, like medications, health conditions, and the natural decline in kidney function, can make hydration harder to maintain. When the weather heats up, fluid loss through perspiration can go unnoticed, increasing the risks of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.

Jason and his team have introduced hydration stations throughout our homes, stocked with a variety of options: from plain and flavoured water to fruit-infused drinks, herbal teas, and refreshing mocktails. “We’ve learned that residents are far more likely to drink when beverages are visible and easily accessible,” he says. “We encourage homes to get creative with presentation – using seasonal recipes and fun drink ideas to keep things interesting.”

Water is readily available in both personal rooms and communal areas, with colleagues trained to gently prompt residents throughout the day.

Meals are a key moment for encouraging fluid intake. “We see mealtimes as more than just a chance to eat – they’re a social experience and a great opportunity to encourage residents to drink,” Jason says.

The catering team includes high-water-content foods like fruit platters, salads, soups, and jellies in the summer menus. “These options are both hydrating and nutritious – a win-win for resident health,” he adds.

For residents with more complex hydration needs, such as those with swallowing difficulties, the team goes the extra mile. “We take special care with pureed and texture-modified meals, ensuring they retain their fluid content. We use wet cooking methods, added stocks, and broths to ensure meals are hydrating, as well as nourishing,” Jason continues.

Supporting residents with swallowing difficulties also requires careful attention to presentation. “We follow the IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) framework, ensuring food and fluids are prepared to the right consistency for each resident,” Jason says. “But just as importantly, we make sure that even thickened liquids or pureed meals are presented in an appetising, dignified way – it’s about respecting the resident’s dignity while ensuring they get the hydration they need.”

Training is key to our approach. “Our catering teams are trained in nutrition and hydration to meet the unique needs of older residents. Hydration isn’t just about offering drinks – it’s about recognising and tailoring care for each person,” Jason explains.

The care teams also track residents’ fluid intake through electronic care plans, allowing them to act quickly if a resident’s hydration levels drop.

Jason’s advice to others working in care? “Get to know your residents. Hydration is so much easier when you personalise it – offering drinks they enjoy, in a setting they feel comfortable in.”

Our team’s summer hydration strategy is a powerful example of how thoughtful planning and personalised care can help protect older adults during hot weather. With wellbeing at the heart of everything we do, we’re proud to set a high standard for hydration in care settings across the UK.

As Jason concludes, “The health and well-being of our residents are always our top priority. By making hydration a core part of our everyday care, we help ensure every resident feels safe, cared for, and respected.”

For more information about the types of care we provide, visit our Contact Us page or give us a call at 01423 859 859.

If you’re interested in joining our dedicated team, check out our current vacancies and see how you can make a difference in the lives of our residents.