Identifying the barriers and facilitators for adequate fluid intake in people living in care homes is important to implement appropriate actions to overcome these barriers and enhance facilitators. These barriers might be related to staff and environment and impact individuals. Increasing staff awareness on hydration, consider individual preferences and promote social drinking are examples of facilitators of healthy hydration in care homes. Besides care homes, healthy hydration should be encouraged in the community, research and policy. Dietitians and health care professionals should be aware of strategies to promote optimal hydration in older people and the community.

Learning objectives

• To give examples of the barriers and facilitators of adequate fluid intake in older people living in care homes.
• To provide practical advice of optimal practices to promote healthy hydration in care homes and the community.