Care Home Residents

Care home residents face additional fluid-status risks because they often depend on staff for drinks, toileting, mobility support, and recognition of changing health needs. Care home residents may not receive drinks when needed, and unrecognised personal drink preferences can further discourage oral fluid intake. Fluid overload is also more common in older care home residents because heart failure is more prevalent and age-related changes can predispose to fluid retention. Carer and care home staff representatives contributed to shaping the research question and eligibility criteria for this review, with some named as coauthors. Whole-home hydration promotion strategies should exempt residents susceptible to fluid overload, who may require individualised care planning or active discouragement of excess intake.