Jelly Drops were designed when Lewis’s Grandma was hospitalised due to severe dehydration. While Lewis would often get ignored when offering drinks, he soon discovered that Grandma Pat and her friends in the care home would light up when he arrived with sweet treats. That’s when he came up with the idea of water candy!Â
To support you and your loved one, we’ve put together some practical tips you can try to encourage more daily fluid intake.
1. Use social drinking prompts
Reminding your loved one to drink water can be exhausting and reframing this can be more effective.Â
For example, you could try sitting down with a flask of tea to share with your loved one and some cookies, or offering a smoothie or mocktail that blends favourite fruits or flavours. Lewis found the most effective way was sitting down and having a conversation over a drink – make sure you ask for a cheers and take time to enjoy the drink yourself!
2. Utilise water-rich foods
Water-rich fruits such as Watermelon, peach and strawberry are great to offer as a fruit salad and can also easily be made into smoothies or ice pops by putting into a blender and then pouring into reusable ice pop moulds.
If your loved one likes veg, using water-rich veg like cucumber, lettuce and tomatoes to prepare a delicious salad can also be a good way to increase fluid intake.
3. Think about cups
Either use a clear glass so the person can see what’s inside, or try a brightly coloured cup to draw attention instead. If possible, give the person the cup, or put it where they can see it clearly.Â
Make sure the cup or glass is suitable (not too heavy or a difficult shape to hold) and give them a straw if this makes drinking easier.
4. Keep Jelly Drops within easy reach
Jelly Drops are 95% water and are packed full of electrolytes to help the body absorb and retain fluids. By keeping a supply nearby, your loved one can enjoy them little and often throughout the day, supporting independent hydration with minimal prompting and making staying hydrated easier, more enjoyable and more consistent.
For further info on Jelly Drops: www.jellydrops.com
