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| Author | Eleonor Camilleri |
| Abstract | This small scale study sought to investigate fluid intake in dependent elderly persons in an institution. A descriptive non-experimental design was adopted to answer the following questions: How much fluid intake do elderly consume daily in an institution? Who supply fluids to the elderly? At what time is fluid consumed by the older adults? What type of fluids do the elderly consume? Data was collected by a non-participant observation, facilitated by the use of a devised structured observational schedule. The study involved a purposive sample of 10 residents. Findings indicated that the institution typical fluid pattern does not provide residents with adequate fluid intake. The overall residents' mean fluid intake was inadequate, ranging from 775mL to 1,540mL/day; 9 of the 10 residents consumed less than the minimum daily recommended fluid intake of 1,500mL, with a mean fluid intake of 1,129mL/day. Fluids to residents were provided by nurses, nursing aides, care workers and family members. Family members' provision of fluids helped to maintain fluid intake by residents. The care workers were identified to be the caregivers who most often supplied fluids to the residents. It is one of the care workers' roles on the wards to distribute tea beverages on the wards. Tea beverages comprised the larger portion of the residents' daily fluid intake. Feasible recommendations for improvement in the hydration status of the dependent elderly persons in an institution are put forward following completion of this research. |
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| Pages | - |
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| Key words | Hydration, Dependent, Elderly, Thesis |