Independent Liberal Member for Alfred Cove Dr Janet Woollard congratulates the Continence Advisory Service of WA on their initiative to provide a Water and Wellbeing Kit to Home and Community Care (HACC) service providers for the purpose of promoting adequate fluid intake for the frail older person.

“The Kit is a wonderful resource that will help many of our seniors in the community to improve their health and well being by the simple act of drinking water,” said Dr Woollard.

Dr Woollard said studies have shown that many frail older people are not drinking enough fluid. For example, according to a 2006 study by Mentes , older persons in residential care drink an average of 700ml a day instead of the recommended 1500ml.

“This leads to dehydration and other health problems such as urinary tract infections, incontinence and constipation,” said Dr Woollard.

“The Kit gives HACC service providers a wealth of information, and ideas for activities to raise awareness among the older people they care for on the importance of being well hydrated.

“There are tips on how to increase fluid intake and also a quiz to help care providers improve their own knowledge on the importance of hydration,” said Dr Woollard.

Ms Deborah Gordon, Chief Executive Officer of Continence Advisory Service of WA, said the Kit is based on the “Water for Your Water Project – a resource kit for HACC and Residential Care” which was developed by the Victorian Continence Resource Centre in 2008.

“We hope this Kit will contribute towards improving health outcomes and quality of life for older persons in the community and in residential care facilities,” said Ms Gordon.

The Kit can be obtained from the Continence Advisory Service of WA by telephoning 9386 9777 or email Ms Gordon at dgordon@continencewa.org.au.

The Kit was launched by Dr Woollard earlier in March during the Waterworks Week which ran from 15-21 March 2009.