The power of a gold star: Encouraging hydration with personalised, carer-led care
Published: 13/08/2026
A Star Chart for Better Care
It is so important to stay hydrated, especially during the summer and periods of incredibly hot weather, but for some people, drinking enough fluids can be a challenge.
To encourage one of her clients, Sylvia, to drink more fluids, Right at Home Carer, Jennene, came up with a simple but effective idea - a gold star reward chart. The fun incentive has proved to be a great success, helping to make staying hydrated something for Sylvia to look forward to.
You can find out more about Jennene here.
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More Drinks, More Smiles
Jennene said: “I introduced a star chart for a client as a reward for drinking a glass of fluids. I came up with the idea as I used to say to Sylvia when she drank a glass of fluids ‘oh, gold star for you’. We would laugh and she would say ‘where’s my gold star then?’.
“So it got me thinking, if I did a star reward chart then other Carers could encourage Sylvia to drink each call. At the end of her star chart she gets a prize once she has filled it up. The response was great and she looked forward to getting a gold star. She has already got her first prize.”
The reward chart has helped motivate Sylvia to drink more regularly while also bringing an extra smile to every care visit. It is a great example of how taking the time to understand what motivates each individual can have a real impact on their health and wellbeing.
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“If I did a star reward chart then other Carers could encourage her to drink each call. At the end of her star chart she gets a prize once she has filled it up.
"The response was great and she looked forward to getting a gold star. She has already got her first prize.”
– Jennene | Carer, Right at Home Bournemouth and Poole
Jennene said keeping clients hydrated is an important part of providing good care.
“It’s really important to keep clients hydrated as to avoid water infections and confusion through lack of fluids,” she added.
Jennene has been working as a Carer with Right at Home for nine years and says the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives is what she enjoys most about the role.
She said: “I love working with the elderly, I love the variety of the clients I get to work with, no day is the same and no care call is the same. I enjoy supporting them with whatever they need, it could be a walk, making a meal or just sitting and having a chat.”