Our Care Professionals are always on the go

Life as a Care Professional is often very busy, always focussing on the client and leaving little time for self care. Dehydration can have a myriad of negative effects not just on physical health, but mental health, concentration and performance.

Studies have shown that at about 1% dehydration (equivalent of 1% of body weight water loss) there are negative effects on mental and physical function and these become more severe as dehydration gets worse.

Physical health and dehydration

According to BDA UK, even slight drops in fluid levels will cause negative physical effects on the body. Low fluid levels can cause headaches, dizziness and lethargy.

As a Care Professional, it’s important that you look after yourself. How can you provide the best possible care if you’re lethargic and suffering with a pounding headache? It’s common to be easily agitated when you’re tired with a sore head and as you know, care requires endless patience.

Over a longer term, dehydration can cause constipation and can be associated with urinary tract infections and the formation of kidney stones. So, stay on top of your healthy drinking!

Mental health and dehydration symptoms

Mental health is just as important as physical health and drinking enough water can reduce your risk of depression and anxiety. According to Vitality Magazine, even mild dehydration takes its toll on our health: losing just 1% of body mass, which might occur as part of everyday living, can lead to a dip in mood and anxiety.

Your mood can project and reflect onto the mood of others. For some clients, contact with their Care Professional is the only social interaction they will have that day. Make it count. Carer’s are only human and everyone has bad days, but you’re in control of how you reduce the risk. Drinking water is just one way you can help manage your mood.

Concentration and signs of dehydration

A study from Cambridge University found severe dehydration has been shown to cause cognitive deficits to short-term memory and visual perception. Being able to concentrate to the best of your ability is paramount as a Care Professional. Life as a carer can be busy and it’s easy to forget to drink enough water. For tips on how to stay hydrated on the go, check out our article.

Private Home Care clients rely on us for a variety of services, all of which require total commitment and concentration. Personal care, companionship, medication support, palliative care and more.