The objective of this clinical trial is to assess whether hydration with gelled water (GEL-AID) can improve fluid intake and reduce cases of dehydration, as well as the incidence of urinary and respiratory infections in institutionalized elderly individuals in nursing homes. The main question this trial aims to answer is: • Do institutionalized elderly individuals hydrated with GEL-AID increase their daily fluid intake and reduce the incidence of dehydration, urinary infections, and respiratory infections? Participants: The control group will follow the center's usual hydration plan. Individuals with swallowing difficulties will receive thickened liquids and/or gelatin, while those without swallowing difficulties will be hydrated with unmodified liquids or gelatin. The intervention group will receive hydration with GEL-AID. For participants with swallowing difficulties, thickened liquids and gelatin will be replaced by GEL-AID, with texture adapted to their needs. Those without swallowing difficulties will receive unmodified liquids and GEL-AID instead of gelatin.
Age range
65 Years
Sex
ALL
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Daily fluid intake
Timeframe: From enrollment to the end of intervention at 12 months.
Dehydration: Serum osmolality
Timeframe: Baseline and 3, 6 and 12 months
Dehydration: Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
Timeframe: Baseline and 3, 6 and 12 months
Number of urinary infections
Timeframe: Baseline and 3, 6 and 12 months.
Number of respiratory infections
Timeframe: Baseline and 3, 6 and 12 months.
Mortality
Timeframe: Baseline and 3, 6 and 12 months.