We were interested to read of some work done elsewhere in the UK with the support of Care England. The work was primarily aimed at trying to see whether reducing caffeine intake might result in less falls and accidents amongst older people

Now, we are not medical or indeed nutritional experts here at Aylsham Care Trust. We exist to help people live independently and well and to combat isolation and loneliness. Nevertheless, we are interested in promoting healthy living amongst our service users and to provide information that is helpful as people make choices about how to live and what works for them. The study highlighted, amongst other things, the following:

• Caffeine has a diuretic effect and can impact the urgency of needing toilet facilities • Falls associated with frailty cost the NHS over £4 Billion last year

Aylsham Care Trust already makes available a range of drinks for its service users including decaffeinated versions. Lynsey Constable who manages our Day and Homecare services commented: “ We offer person centred care and work closely with all our service users to ensure they make sure they make informed decisions. This study has led me to think about having fresh conversations to see whether more people are prompted to reconsider their drinking habits and daily intake of fluids”

https://www.careengland.org.uk/switching-to-decaf-could-save-nhs-85m-per-year-care-home-trial-suggests.