LAUSR

people living longer. However, care providers are facing the challenge of coping with increasing numbers of frail older people. As health professionals, we are having to adapt and change our practice to meet our clients’ needs and to ensure they receive the best care we can provide. On the acute medical unit (AMU) where I work, we have seen an increase in the number of older people admitted, many with dementia. Most are admitted from the accident and emergency department, and some directly by a GP. We also have a large number of patients who have diabetes-related illnesses, cataracts and sight degeneration problems, which are common in older people (World Health Organization, 2014). Patients with learning disabilities are also regularly admitted. It has been reported that, although issues around hospital food and malnutrition have often been highlighted, preventable dehydration has not been discussed to the same extent, and remains all too common in older people in care settings (British Nutrition Foundation (BNF), 2014). Dehydration can lead to many problems, including reduced kidney function, cardiac diseases and venous thromboembolisms (Nursing Times, 2014). For patients with dementia and/or sight impairments, the use of brightly coloured everyday objects has been shown to be helpful within care settings (Alzheimer’s Society, 2016). Elderly care departments in my hospital have introduced the use of red trays and blue plates at mealtimes. We also use red toilet seats and large, brightly coloured signage, as recommended by the Alzheimer’s Society (2016). Using colour makes objects highly visible, and helps with orientation. As the use of brightly coloured plates and trays had helped with food intake, we hoped Promoting fluid intake for patients with dementia or visual impairments