Cold weather often reduces thirst while increasing fluid loss, putting older adults at higher risk for dehydration. Understanding how winter conditions affect hydration helps clinical staff recognize early warning signs and support consistent intake throughout the season.
Recognizing risks, preventing complications, and supporting resident well-being all winter long.
Winter Hydration for Clinical Staff

Annual dehydration healthcare costs

TO

Post-acute care residents dehydrated

Hospitalized cases from post-acute care

Annual dehydration hospitalizations

(Hover over rectangles)

Hydration in Numbers
Clinical Red Flags to Watch For
Why does dehydration get worse in the winter?
+
+
+
+

Early communication helps prevent escalation.

Communicate Changes Early

Report changes in intake, behavior, or hydration-related symptoms promptly. Early intervention can reduce the risk of complications such as dizziness, confusion, or urinary changes.

Indoor winter conditions can quietly increase fluid loss.

Consider Environmental Factors

Hydration issues often start with reduced intake before symptoms appear.

Monitor Intake, Not Just Output

Heated indoor air contributes to insensible fluid loss through the skin and respiratory tract. Encourage hydration even when residents are less active and spending more time indoors.

Pay attention to patterns of missed drinks, unfinished beverages, or declining meal participation. A gradual decrease in intake can signal early dehydration risk, even before physical signs develop.

Cold weather often leads residents to avoid cold drinks.

Warm Fluids Count

Residents may not feel thirsty in colder weather, even when their bodies need fluid.

Make Hydration Visible and Routine

Small, consistent actions can make a meaningful difference.

Supporting Hydration During the Winter Months:

Warm beverages such as broth, decaffeinated tea, or warm water with lemon can be more appealing in winter and still support hydration. These options may increase intake when cold drinks are refused.

Offer fluids regularly throughout the day rather than waiting for residents to ask. Keeping drinks visible, within reach, and offered at predictable times helps reinforce hydration as part of the daily routine.

Early communication helps prevent complications
Small, consistent hydration efforts matter more than volume alone
Reduced intake is often the earliest warning sign
Dehydration risk increases in winter, even without obvious thirst

Keeping these key principles in mind can help clinical staff identify hydration concerns early and support resident well-being throughout the winter months.

Key Hydration Reminders for Winter Care
Recognizing risks, preventing complications, and supporting resident well-being all winter long.
Winter Hydration for Clinical Staff