Session Summary: In institutionalized residents, the interdisciplinary team has to make sure fluid is provided in reach. Explaining to residents and staff the reason for >2 quarts a day, asking for their tips on how to increase fluid intake, barriers to implementation and showing progress over time engages the team. Encouraging to drink on entry to room and before leaving providing flavored water or other fluid of choice, I will share the success of our QAPI that cut dehydration in half over 3 years, leading to reduced: falls, hospitalizations, UTI, indwelling catheters, skin breakdown, transition to hospice for end of life, and improved: mobility, pain, cognition, function, facility-acquired MRSA and discharge to the community. I will discuss the shortcomings of available tools and up and coming innovations that will track and provide feedback to facility staff, residents and families. See my 10 min Fluids talk on my website www.DrHamrickMD.com
Learning Objectives:
At the completion of this session, learners will be able to:
Using aging changes that contribute to the risk, identify the importance to recognize and prevent dehydration and its ramifications.
Outline how to recognize, identify and diagnose, and treat dehydration.
Describe the management of dehydration, including the interprofessional team and technology.
