Elderly Hydration Requirements Calculator
This evidence-based calculator determines daily fluid requirements for elderly individuals based on the guidelines established for aged care facilities. It considers multiple factors including weight, medical conditions, and risk factors identified in clinical studies.
Note: The recommended minimum fluid intake is 1500-2000 mL (6-8 cups) per day.
Basic Information
Medical Conditions
Select all that apply:
Medications
Functional Status & Access to Fluids
Current Clinical Signs
Understanding Hydration in the Elderly
Dehydration is a significant concern in aged care facilities, with studies showing:
- 31% of residents experience dehydration events over 6 months
- 98% of residents consume less than the daily recommended fluid intake
- 34% of nursing home patients admitted to hospital are diagnosed with dehydration
Risk Factors for Dehydration
Poor Oral Intake
- Inability to feed independently
- Refusing oral intake
- Poor access to fluids
- Oro-pharyngeal disease
Increased Fluid Loss
- Febrile Illness
- Diarrhoea and vomiting
- Diuretics
- Unstable diabetes
- Hypercalcaemia
- Hypokalaemia
Other Risk Factors
- Female gender
- Age over 85
- Multiple medications (4 or more)
- Impaired functional status
- Dementia and confusion
- Multiple chronic conditions
Clinical Signs of Dehydration
The most reliable clinical signs of dehydration include:
- Reduced axillary sweating
- Reduced skin turgor
- Dry oral mucosa
- Recent change in consciousness
- Darker urine
Prevention Strategies
- Regular fluid offerings (every 1½ hours during the day)
- Offer fluids at specific routine events:
- Before/after showering or washing
- After toileting
- Before/after activities
- During medication rounds
- Regular hydration cart rounds
- Offer preferred drinks
- Ensure fluid is within residents' reach
- Encourage "wet" foods (honey, custard, yogurt, ice cream, soup, pureed fruit)
- Implement social hours where fluids are offered
- Use fluid intake charts for at-risk residents
Special Circumstances - Gastroenteritis
During gastroenteritis episodes:
- Use commercial rehydration fluids (e.g., Hydralyte)
- Administer 200mL every 30 minutes
- Consider ice blocks (3 x 62.5mL every 30 minutes)
- Monitor closely for signs of dehydration
- Consider medical review if dehydration occurs