The hydration project

Over a year ago in September the nurse manager decided to have the activity aides pass ice water to the residents before meals. At this facility, water is not served with the trays meals. To me, that is strange because I drink water exclusively. Initially, the residents did not think getting water was much of a treat. However, that chilled water grew in value in the summer months when it was warm in the dining room. That glass of water was welcome.

On days when activities was shortstaffed, ice water was not passed before meals. Then, the residents complained. Some of the aides got really concerned. None of them wanted to do the ice water job – if they didn't have to.  At times, the nurses asked housekeeping staff to past the ice water since they know where the residents sit. And that seemed to work better.

I always knew once they started doing the ice water hydration project it would never stop. Some of the aides thought they were giving ice water so residents would drink it and fill up, and then eat less. I told them that was not the case. I thought that facility management knew drinking more water could make these residents healthier. They serve Kool-Aid, iced tea, coffee, or milk with meals. Since they do not serve water with meals, a frosty glass of water could be a welcome change.

I think they also thought passing ice water would prevent residents from carrying their water pictures to the dining room. Some bring their pitchers and fill them with the Kool-Aid, or iced tea, they get on their trays. Then, they take it back to the room. It caused fewer residents to carry a pitcher with them in order to have something to drink. When ice water was passed regularly, residents knew there would be something to drink in the dining room. Some still put meal drinks into their pitchers, but there are fewer of them.

A couple of residents with mental and emotional problems get quite anxious before meals. One female resident responds well to one or two glasses of cold water when she gets them before meal. It helps her to calm down and gives her something to do.

The other nice thing about ice water being served before meals is that residents I feel that they are enjoying a restaurant amenity.