Thank you for "Oral Hydration in Older Adults" (A New Look at the Old, June). When does anyone stop to offer a patient a drink of water? Why is it that some patients still don't receive the sensitive, individualized care they need?

I visited an elderly friend who had very little strength in her arms. She was seated in a chair for her meal. Her large water cup was filled to the brim and too heavy to pick up; it was also too far away for her to reach. I tried to get her to sip the fruit juice and tea provided with her meal through a straw. After I realized the liquids were gelled, I offered her water. She nodded her head and readily drank the water through the straw. In the next half hour she drank almost 500 mL of water with my help. No wonder we so often hear that patients need someone with them in the hospital so they will get the attention they need.

Evelyn Schaffer, RN (retired)

Salisbury, NC

Section Description

AJNwelcomes letters to the editor regarding recently published articles, although critiques of original research may be submitted at any time. Submissions must be typed, contain fewer than 300 words, and list the correspondent's name, address, and phone number or e-mail address; include no more than three references for any statistics or studies cited. Letters will be edited for length, clarity, and accuracy. Submission of a letter will constitute the author's permission to publish it, although it doesn't guarantee publication. Letters become the property of AJN and may be published in all media. Send letters to AJN, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 333 Seventh Avenue, 19th Floor New York, NY 10001 [email protected] (212) 886-1206 (fax)