As we get older, we are more likely to be under-hydrated. The reasons for this vary from diminished sense of thirst and hunger to medications that cause dehydration. Along with that our body composition changes, leaving us less hydrated. To further complicate matters, when people are dehydrated, they are more prone to confusion and fatigue, leading to an increased risk of falling.
When we had the opportunity to apply for SHIP partner awards through Crow Wing Energized we were so excited! We applied for partner awards to purchase a hydration station for the Bethany Assisted Living Apartments and replace the one at Good Samaritan-Bethany Skilled Nursing Home.
Bethany Assisted Living Apartments
Bethany Assisted Living Apartments did not have a water fountain or any source of drinking water in common areas. Our Dietary Department would provide pitchers of ice water at mealtimes, but between meals residents were dependent on what they had in their apartments.
With the grant we were able to purchase a Hydration Station and install it in a central location.
Residents, staff and visitors are able to more conveniently fill their water jugs and stay hydrated. This is especially helpful since we really encourage physical activity. Many of our residents walk our hallways daily and having the ability to grab a drink along the way is an important step to staying hydrated. Our staff also put on a lot of miles throughout their shift of caring for others and benefit from a quick fill of their water bottle.
Good Samaritan-Bethany Skilled Nursing Home
The Good Samaritan-Bethany Skilled Nursing Home was built in 1976. During the COVID-19 pandemic we had to shut down the drinking fountains to try to prevent the spread of the outbreak. We could not use them for over two years. When we went to reactivate the drinking fountains, we discovered they were inoperable. This prevented many residents from easily accessing improved hydration.
Our goal is to support healthy choices by encouraging increased water consumption among residents, staff, and visitors. The new hydration station, conveniently located for easy access, helps make clean water readily available to all. Designed for versatility, it functions both as a traditional drinking fountain and a bottle-filling station. Additionally, it is installed at a height that ensures accessibility for individuals who use wheelchairs.
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of these partner awards from SHIP and Crow Wing Energized, the new hydration stations are operable and readily utilized by the residents and staff. We are incredibly grateful to SHIP (Statewide Health Improvement Partnership) and Crow Wing Energized for funding these projects.
We invite the community to come in and visit with our residents. And don’t forget to fill’er up while you’re here!
The Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) promotes community-driven initiatives that create opportunities for active living, healthy eating, and tobacco-free living. Its goal is to help all Minnesotans prevent chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
SHIP collaborates with local partners to enhance safe spaces for physical activity, improve access to healthy and affordable foods, reduce tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure, promote wellness in the workplace and foster better emotional well-being.
Through these efforts, SHIP works to build vibrant communities, offering all Minnesotans the chance to live longer, healthier lives. With 90% of national healthcare costs attributed to chronic conditions — many of which are preventable — SHIP’s work is crucial to improving public health and reducing health care expenses.
Crow Wing Energized was founded with the mission to “Improve health and wellness in our community by making the healthy choice the easy choice.” That’s why we’re proud to collaborate with SHIP to increase access to healthy opportunities for Crow Wing County residents. To learn more, visit CrowWingEnergized.org/ship and follow us on Facebook for the latest updates.
Nancy Wietgrefe is the grants administrator at Sanford Health.
