Summer 2026 Newsletter from Radfield Home Care Chingford & Loughton

A warm welcome to the latest edition of our Community newsletter. Our aim is to keep you up to date on all things relating to Radfield Home Care Chingford & Loughton. This issue shares our latest news, community activities, and health advice to help you and your loved ones age well.

You can also keep updated by following us on social media.

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Dehydration in Older People

“Mild dehydration can impair cognitive function by 10%, increasing confusion and agitation”

Having experienced our hottest summer on record, it’s important to be aware of how dehydration impacts older people. They are at a higher risk of dehydration due to reduced thirst, lower body water content, and impaired kidney function, making early recognition and prevention crucial. Dehydration reduces blood flow to the brain, limiting oxygen and glucose delivery to brain cells.

Chronic dehydration can trigger brain inflammation and accelerate cognitive decline, which may increase the risk of developing dementia.

Our kidney function declines with age, reducing the ability to conserve water. Chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or dementia, as well as certain medications such as diuretics, can further exacerbate fluid loss. Dehydration also raises the likelihood of falls, urinary tract infections, and hospital admissions.

What to Watch Out For:

• Physical signs: Dry mouth, sticky saliva, sunken eyes, decreased skin elasticity, fatigue, dizziness, & headaches
• Behavioural changes: Confusion, irritability, or sudden cognitive decline
• Urinary changes: Reduced urination, dark-coloured or concentrated urine
• Severe symptoms: Rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, seizures, or kidney failure in advanced cases.

Please check in regularly on older people you know.

Disability Festival In The Park

On Wednesday 22nd July we enjoyed a fantastic afternoon at the Disability Festival in the Park, in Wanstead. This is an annual event and the best yet that we have attended. In the Information area we shared space with our friend Ash – the Tutor Doctor and caught up with some friends as well. There were many performances and activities, and a great community atmosphere.

Community Activities

Our Creative Art & Wellbeing Workshops are continuing to thrive with Seaside, Cottage Garden, and mountain watercolour scenes at our regular monthly workshops.

Fortnightly seated exercise sessions at Hainault Baptist Church and Barnardo’s Village Barkingside are booming, along with group talks at Time Out at Hainault Baptist Church.

Seated Exercise With Sarah

• Dates: Thursday 10th & 24th September
• Time: 12:30pm – 1:30pm
• Details: Suitable for ALL abilities, our fun seated exercise class is designed to help keep everyone active.

Team News

It’s been a busy summer, training more new Care Professionals to join our growing Radfield family, welcoming Kellie, Evija, Annita and Mary who have all been a hit with clients and staff.

We celebrated PY our Live-in Care professional’s two year anniversary with us and welcomed his new baby daughter. Celebrated Mary’s & Gilanda’s birthday and her one year’s service, time flies! Adam has been busy as ever networking with a care home.

Adam’s Mail Online Article

Adam was approached by a journalist from the Daily Mail Money online to write an article about people who change careers and run their own business. The Journalist ended up writing her own piece on Adam’s story which was published online early August: Daily Mail Article Link.

Affects of Dehydration & Dementia

“Dehydration significantly increases the risk of worsening dementia symptoms, cognitive decline, and related health complications in older adults”

Dementia sufferers are particularly vulnerable to dehydration because they can forget to drink, fail to recognise thirst signals, or even struggle to communicate their needs.

Memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with daily tasks can prevent them from accessing fluids independently. They may also be anxious about incontinence or using unfamiliar drinking vessels which can further reduce fluid intake. Certain medications, such as diuretics or laxatives, further increase fluid loss.

“Mild dehydration can impair cognitive function by 10%, increasing confusion and agitation”

Dehydration reduces blood flow to the brain, limiting oxygen and glucose delivery to brain cells, and disrupts the electrolyte balance, which is essential for nerve signalling. Chronic dehydration can trigger brain inflammation, impair waste clearance via the glymphatic system, and promote protein misfolding, all of which accelerate cognitive decline.

Dehydration also increases the likelihood of falls, urinary tract infections, and hospital admissions, which can further exacerbate dementia symptoms.

Signs of Dehydration Caregivers Should Watch For:

• Dark or strong-smelling urine
• Dry mouth or lips
• Confusion or sudden worsening of dementia symptoms
• Fatigue, dizziness, or headaches
• Reduced skin elasticity or sunken eyes

Strategies to Maintain Hydration:

• Offer 6–8 cups of fluids daily, including water, tea, coffee, milk, juice, soups, or smoothies.
• Provide drinks frequently throughout the day and with meals.
• Use clear or brightly coloured cups and straws and reminder mugs to encourage drinking.
• Include high-water-content foods like yogurt, ice lollies, watermelon, and cucumber.
• Oral rehydration drinks and water drops.
• Monitor fluid intake and adjust for hot weather, illness, or increased activity.

Dehydration will worsen dementia symptoms and accelerate cognitive decline. Maintaining consistent hydration through careful monitoring, accessible fluids, and supportive strategies is essential for protecting brain health and overall well-being in people with dementia.

Local Events & Activities