AN independent Warminster carer has created a wristband which could save lives by letting medical staff know whether a patient requires help eating and drinking.

Adeline Dolley, founder of Snowdrop Care, has designed the Hydrate Me wristband in an attempt to cut down on the number of deaths from dehydration.

The 35-year-old said: “I decided to create this band as there have been many deaths from dehydration in hospital and care homes.

“For families it’s one of the main concerns they have about whether their loved ones are going to be helped with eating and drinking.

“One patient I found had been moved around in a hospital six times and no one knew she couldn’t lift up the jug to pour water.

“There’s nothing really that says that a patient can’t eat or drink on their own and it seems to be a growing problem.”

According to the Office of National Statistics, 1,158 care home residents died of dehydration-related illnesses between 2003-12.

Mrs Dolley has now had 250 wristbands produced, which read “Please help. I am unable to eat or drink without your assistance”, and are also waterproof.

“I’ve started to contact the hospitals and ask for their opinions but anyone can buy them if they want, specifically more so for people with memory difficulties or people that have had a stroke and can’t lift up a jug,” added Mrs Dolley, who has 17 years of experience in the care profession.

“I would like to think they would become adopted by hospitals.

“Food and hydration are the most important things and it could possibly save money by reducing the number of people suing care homes or hospitals and obviously it could save lives.”

Andrea Sutcliffe, chief inspector of social care at the Care Quality Commission, said: “Making sure that people using health and care services have enough to drink is really important.

“Very often they may find it difficult by themselves and will need assistance. Supporting staff to recognise this could be really helpful for everyone.”

To purchase a wristband, visit http://www.snowdropcare.com/