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Helping the Elderly Stay Hydrated

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Hydration matters. Did you know that 60% of our body is made up of water (Source: United States Geological Survey)? Getting enough water is key to our health. Hydration brings nutrients to cells, getting rid of waste, and maintaining healthy body temperature.

As a caregiver, you need to ensure your clients are properly hydrated. You also must be able to spot dehydration symptoms in older people.

How Much Water?

The amount of water a person should drink varies from individual to individual. People should generally aim to drink 8-10 cups of water per day (Source: Mayo Clinic). Heavier people and those with chronic conditions may need more water than others.

Water is crucial for many body functions and keeping your client hydrated with at least 8 cups of water a day helps with overall health.

Caregivers Help the Elderly Stay Hydrated - Andrea's Angels - Home Care Agency
Caregivers can ensure that client stays hydrated by following the guidelines - Andrea's Angel - Home Care Agency

Signs of Dehydration in the Elderly

Dehydration occurs when the body doesn’t get enough water. This means it does not have enough fluid to work properly.

When your body loses too much water, your cell organs, cells, and tissues fail to function as they should, leading to dangerous complications.  In serious cases, dehydration can cause brain swelling, confusion, kidney failure, coma, and even death.

Not drinking enough water is just one cause of dehydration, but there can be several causes, including:

  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Sweating too much
  • Fever
  • Frequent urination

If you care for an older adult, you need to know the signs of dehydration. This awareness is even more critical during the summer months. Symptoms of dehydration include:

  • Feeling thirsty
  • Dry mouth, lips, and tongue
  • Dark yellow or strong-smelling urine
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle cramps
  • Fatigue
  • Sleeplessness
  • Irritability
  • Constipation

Emergency symptoms of dehydration can be life-threatening. If your client experiences any of the following, they need to go to the Emergency Room immediately:

  • Rapid but weak heart rate
  • Rapid breathing
  • Low blood pressure
  • Inability to sweat
  • Inability to stand
  • Confusion
  • Bloated stomach
  • Seizures
  • Fever of 103 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Fainting

How to Keep Your Client Hydrated

Dehydration is dangerous no matter what your age, but it is especially dangerous for the elderly. Fortunately, caregivers can ensure that client stays hydrated by following these tips:

Provide Fluids

Encourage your client to drink water often and regularly, and ensure they always have water around them. You can do this by preparing a refillable water bottle and placing it beside their bed or favorite chair.

If they do not like the taste of plain water, try adding bits of fruit. Berries, lemons, cucumbers, mint, and pineapple can add great water additions.

Stay Clear of Drinks that Can Worsen Dehydration

Coffee can speed up the dehydration process by increasing urine production. Alcohol can similarly cause dehydration by depleting body fluids and electrolytes, which balance the amount of water in the body. The high sodium and sugar levels in sodas can also contribute to dehydration.

Water is the most basic, simplest, and purest way to stay hydrated. Ideally, your client should be getting most of their fluids from water.

Consider Breathable Materials

Certain fabrics like cotton, linen, and bamboo allow the body to sweat and breathe naturally. This will help your client maintain fluids.

Other fabrics, however, can trap sweat against the skin, possibly contributing to dehydration. These include polyester rayon, and denim (commonly found in jeans).

Slice Up Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables offer excellent sources of water. The high volume of water they contain helps your client keep hydrated.

Cucumbers, celery, broccoli, lettuce, and tomatoes are among the water-rich vegetables. Water-based fruit favorites include cantaloupe, strawberries, oranges, grapefruit, and peaches.

Be Mindful of Medications

Certain medications, like drugs used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure (diuretics), can cause your elderly client to become dehydrated more quickly than normal. These medications help your client to urinate out excess water. With less fluid in their veins, your client can experience dehydration.

For this reason, you should stay mindful of the medications your client is taking. This way, you will know exactly when to increase their normal fluid intake.

In Closing

Good hydration is linked to healthy aging, and drinking enough water each day is even more critical as we age. Always remember the best fluid to give your client is water.

The body depletes water through breathing, sweating, and digestion, so it’s important for caregivers to rehydrate clients with fluids and water-rich foods. By following our recommendations, you’re ensuring suitable water intake to keep your client hydrated, happy, and healthy. 

Do you need help with everyday activities? Discover how Andrea’s Angels can help you!

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