Subcutaneous fluids€”a blast from the past or a rosy future?

Dehydration in frail, elderly, nursing-home residents is a common problem usually leading to hospital admission for rehydration with intravenous fluids. Such admissions increase pressure on secondary care and may cause distress to the patient. We consider the use of subcutaneous fluids in elderly patients, and its potential role as an element of care near to home.