Hydration Status of Assisted Living Memory Care Residents

Water intake and hydration status of assisted living memory care (ALMC) residents were evaluated. Thirty-two residents (eight men; mean age 86.5 years; Global Deterioration Scale [GDS] 3 to 7) from four ALMC units participated. Ingested food and fluid amount, type, and time, and ingestion behaviors were observed from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Related factors were obtained from chart review/participant survey. Mean fluid intake was 1,160.16 mL; mean water intake from food and fluid was 56.55% (SD = 23.4%) of recommended water intake (RWI). Only one participant met 100% RWI. Using osmolality laboratory results (available for 21 participants), five participants were hydrated, whereas eight (38.1%) participants were in impending dehydration and dehydration categories, respectively. Fluid intake, GDS, and level of assistance during meals predicted RWI. Water intake of ALMC residents is inadequate, placing them at risk for dehydration, and justifies development and implementation of care standards for increasing water intake. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 45(4), 21-29.].