The Abbeys Leads the Way with Evidence-Backed Hydration Programme
The home has already earned recognition as an NHS Hydration Champion, reflecting its innovative approach to hydration in care settings, combining creative engagement with rigorous outcomes tracking. A recent trifle-making session, complete with sprinkles and cream of course, gave residents a delicious mid-morning boost in fluid intake while sparking conversation and reminiscence. It was here that stories flowed as freely as the custard and cream.
This event is part of the home’s ‘Back to School’ focus, a holistic approach to wellbeing using key conversation starters. We’re delighted to share some of the stories here.
Margaret recalled her school on Kilnhurst Road in Mexborough, where she had good friends and loved learning. She particularly enjoyed seaside trips to the east coast, always looking forward to returning to school afterwards.
Linda, who it turns out went to the same school as Margaret, attended Mexborough Grammar School, where English was her favourite subject. Mischievous classmates made for plenty of fun, and she fondly remembered Blackpool holidays while keeping in touch with school friends all year round.
Lily loved sport, unsurprising with six brothers. A lifelong Sheffield Wednesday fan, she spent Saturdays at Hillsborough Stadium and holidays in Laneham, Retford. She spoke warmly of playing marbles with her big group of friends.
Bill remembered conkers and English lessons before joining the army at a young age, where he quickly formed new friendships.
Howard, who grew up in Thrybergh, admitted he wasn’t especially interested in school, but enjoyed time with friends and developed an enduring passion for pigeons.
These memories brought meaning and joy to an activity that was as much about staying hydrated as it was about reminiscing. And the evidence behind the initiative is compelling. Across the NHS, dehydration in older adults is recognised as a serious and under-diagnosed threat:
More than one third of older adults admitted to hospital are dehydrated on arrival, with dehydration linked to a six-fold increase in in-hospital mortality.
The UK’s DRIE study found that up to 19% of nursing home residents were already dehydrated, with a further 44% at risk.
NHS pilot programmes in care homes have demonstrated the impact of targeted hydration activities: UTI admissions fell by 36%, antibiotic prescribing reduced by 58%, and hospital admissions following falls dropped by over 60% when hydration was prioritised.
At The Abbeys, those findings are being lived out every day. The team is already tracking fewer dehydration-related complications, reduced hospital referrals, and greater engagement in activities that make hydration meaningful.
Evie, a Level 3 Adult Nursing student on a two-week placement, joined residents for the trifle-making session after completing hydration training with Mark, the home’s Hydration Lead. She said:
“I’ve really enjoyed my placement. Seeing hydration woven into everyday life has given me a completely different perception of care. It’s prevention in action.”
Registered Manager J’amie Morgan added:
“We’re proud to be recognised as Hydration Champions. With the support of Katherine South and colleagues at South Yorkshire NHS, we’re turning research into reality and seeing the benefits every day for our residents. It’s about building health and meaningful connection into everything we do.”
As South Yorkshire faces growing demand for older-person care, The Abbeys is showing how blending creativity, clinical evidence and community spirit can transform hydration from a hidden risk into a cornerstone of best practice and ultimately, save lives.
To find out more about life at The Abbeys, please visit our Facebook page.