8 creative ways to keep someone with dementia hydrated

Getting someone with dementia to drink enough fluids each day can feel like an uphill battle. The recommended six to eight glasses of water might as well be a mountain when the person you're caring for forgets to drink, doesn't recognise thirst or simply refuses what you offer. Research from the University of East Anglia found that one in five people in care homes weren't drinking enough fluids, highlighting just how common this challenge is.

But here's the thing – traditional approaches often don't work when dementia changes how someone relates to the world around them. The good news is that with a bit of creativity and understanding, you can find ways to make hydration appealing and achievable. Every person with dementia is unique, so what works for one individual might not work for another, but having a toolkit of strategies gives you the flexibility to find what clicks for your loved one.

The key is to think beyond the standard glass of water and consider all the ways fluid can be incorporated into daily life. From making drinks more appealing to hiding hydration in foods they enjoy, there are numerous approaches that can transform this daily challenge into something more manageable and even enjoyable.

Make water more appealing

Plain water can seem boring or unappealing to someone whose taste preferences are changing due to dementia. The solution isn't to give up on water entirely, but to make it more enticing through simple modifications.

Natural flavours can transform ordinary water into something special. Try adding thin slices of lemon, lime or cucumber to create subtly flavoured water that's more interesting than the plain version. Fresh mint leaves can add a refreshing twist, whilst berries like strawberries or raspberries create a naturally sweet taste and attractive colour.

Cordial drinks and diluted juices offer another approach. A small amount of elderflower cordial or orange squash can make water much more appealing whilst still providing essential hydration. The NHS recommends diluting fruit juices to reduce sugar content whilst maintaining flavour, making this a healthier option than full-strength juices.

Temperature preferences matter more than you might think. Some people prefer ice-cold drinks, whilst others find room temperature or slightly warm beverages more appealing. Pay attention to what your loved one gravitates towards naturally. In winter, warm drinks like herbal teas or hot water with lemon might be more appealing than cold alternatives.

Consider offering sparkling water as an alternative to still water. The bubbles can make drinking feel more like a treat and less like a chore. However, be aware that some people find carbonated drinks uncomfortable, so this won't work for everyone.

Timing and routine strategies

Creating structure around drinking can help overcome the challenge of forgetting to hydrate regularly. Building hydration into existing routines makes it feel natural rather than forced.

Link drinks to daily activities that already happen consistently. Offer a glass of water or juice when settling down to watch a favourite television programme, or make it part of medication routines if applicable. This creates automatic prompts that don't rely on remembering to drink independently.

Visual cues and gentle prompts can be incredibly effective. Keep drinks in brightly coloured cups or glasses that stand out visually. Place them within easy sight lines where the person spends most of their time. Some carers find that leaving encouraging notes next to drinks helps, though this depends on the person's reading ability and comprehension levels.

Set up hydration stations around areas where the person spends time. A small table with a jug of flavoured water and an attractive glass near their favourite chair, or a sports bottle with a straw on their bedside table, removes barriers to drinking. The Alzheimer's Society suggests making healthy choices the easy choices by ensuring fluids are always within reach.

Remember that timing matters. Some people are more receptive to drinking in the morning when they first wake up, whilst others prefer evening hydration. Observe patterns and work with natural preferences rather than against them.

Food-based hydration

Don't underestimate the power of food to contribute to daily fluid intake. Many foods contain significant amounts of water and can be more appealing than drinks to someone who's resistant to traditional hydration methods.

High water content foods include watermelon (92% water), cucumbers (96% water), oranges (87% water) and lettuce (95% water). Incorporate these into meals and snacks throughout the day. Fresh fruit salads, vegetable sticks with dips, or simple cucumber sandwiches can provide substantial hydration whilst feeling like treats rather than medicine.

Soups are particularly valuable as they combine hydration with nutrition and warmth. Even someone who refuses to drink might happily consume a bowl of their favourite soup. Homemade broths, tomato soup, or vegetable soups all contribute significantly to daily fluid intake. In summer, cold soups like gazpacho can be refreshing alternatives.

Smoothies and milkshakes can be game-changers for reluctant drinkers. Blend favourite fruits with milk or yoghurt to create appealing drinks that feel indulgent. These provide hydration alongside important nutrients. According to Age UK, dairy products also contribute to daily fluid requirements whilst providing protein and calcium.

Ice lollies and frozen treats can be particularly appealing during warmer weather or when someone has a sore mouth. Make your own using diluted fruit juices or puréed fruits frozen in ice lolly moulds. Even ice cubes made from fruit juices can be sucked on throughout the day.

Practical equipment and accessibility

Sometimes the barrier to drinking isn't desire but ability. The right equipment can make all the difference between success and frustration.

Easy-grip cups and beakers designed for people with limited dexterity can restore independence around drinking. Two-handled cups, cups with large handles, or lightweight beakers reduce the physical challenge of lifting and holding drinks. Occupational therapists can recommend specific products suited to individual needs.

Straws and sports bottles can make drinking easier and more enjoyable. Some people find it easier to sip through a straw than to tip a cup, particularly if they have mobility or coordination challenges. Sports bottles with pull-up spouts can be less intimidating than large glasses and allow for controlled sipping.

Keep drinks within easy reach at all times. This might mean multiple drinks stations around the home, or ensuring the person always has a drink beside them when they sit down. Remove barriers like heavy jugs or complicated bottle tops that might discourage independent drinking.

Consider temperature-controlled containers that keep drinks at optimal temperature throughout the day. Insulated cups can keep water cool in summer or maintain the warmth of herbal teas in winter, making drinks more appealing over longer periods.

Managing resistance and preferences

Resistance to drinking often stems from changes in taste, texture preferences, or simply the anxiety that can accompany dementia. Approaching this with patience and creativity is essential.

Respect individual choices and preferences, even when they seem unusual. If someone suddenly prefers orange juice over water, or wants their tea much weaker than before, working with these changes is more effective than fighting against them. Taste preferences can shift significantly with dementia and what someone enjoyed previously might no longer appeal.

Work with changing tastes by offering variety and being willing to experiment. Keep a selection of different drinks available and rotate options regularly. What someone refuses on Monday might be readily accepted on Wednesday.

Make drinking social and enjoyable whenever possible. Share a cup of tea together, make trying new flavoured waters into a fun activity, or incorporate drinks into social moments like watching television together or looking through photo albums.

Address underlying concerns if someone consistently refuses drinks. They might be worried about needing the toilet more frequently, or have difficulty communicating that a drink is too hot or cold. Gentle questioning and observation can help identify these issues.

Creating lasting change

The most successful hydration strategies become part of daily life rather than feeling like medical interventions. Focus on creating positive associations with drinking and building sustainable routines that work for your specific situation.

Remember that small improvements can make significant differences. Even increasing daily fluid intake by one or two glasses can reduce confusion, improve energy levels and decrease fall risks. Celebrate these victories rather than focusing on perfection.

If you're struggling to find approaches that work, don't hesitate to seek support. Healthcare professionals, including GPs, practice nurses and occupational therapists, can provide personalised advice based on individual needs and circumstances.

For more practical strategies on supporting someone with dementia, explore our wellbeing guides and discover how our care planning tools can help you stay organised. Connect with other carers facing similar challenges through our Facebook page where you can share what works and learn from others' experiences.