The background to AQUATIME

A preventive effort

AQUATIME's eligibility

A foundation based on facts*

In 2014, there were approximately 1.1 million admissions to public hospitals in Denmark. Citizens over the age of 65 accounted for about 460,000 of the admissions.

Of these admissions, as much as 14.6% - or approx. 67,000 - were defined as "preventable", i.e. hospitalizations due to factors that can be prevented if action is taken at the right time and with the right kind of help.

The number of preventable admissions is increasing and highest for the oldest citizens and the elderly who are most reliant on care. Approx. one third of the admissions from nursing homes are thus preventable.

Economic potential and the role of the municipality

An admission costs on average approx. 3,000 euro. Of this sum, the municipality of residence usually pays approx. a third. There is thus an economic potential in preventing hospitalizations for citizens above the age of 65.

The municipalities have a special opportunity to play a role here, as the municipalities are in contact with the citizen within 10 days prior to almost half of the preventable admissions.

This contact takes place via a serviced residence, home nursing, personal care or other practical assistance to the citizen.

Economic and welfare gains

Just over 10% of preventable hospitalizations are due to simple dehydration - and the number of these admissions is increasing.

Therefore, if you could take action against dehydration among the elderly with simple innovative solutions, the number of admissions could be reduced – with a significant economic and welfare benefit.

In addition to the savings resulting from a reduction in the number of admissions, an effective solution could also reduce the costs to municipalities of care and other care efforts related to dehydration in the elderly.

*: tender material from the Market Development Fund June 21, 2016

Dehydration - a bigger problem than you think...

There are several causes of dehydration among the elderly.

Muscle

Muscle mass and body fluid content decrease with age.

Weakened thirst

Many elderly people experience a weakened thirst and desire to drink.

Medicine

Medication intake can affect the fluid balance in the body.

Cognitive difficulties

The elderly forget to drink, e.g. due to cognitive difficulties (onset of dementia).

Downgrading

The elderly downgrade fluid so as not to have to go to the toilet as often – e.g. due to pain.

Coordination

Inadequate communication and coordination between professional groups and the elderly.