VISITING ANGELS ATLANTA EAST, GA 404-358-5877
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Serving Atlanta, Buckhead, Decatur, Vinings, GA and the Surrounding Communities

Visiting Angels ATLANTA EAST, GA
309 E Paces Ferry Rd NE #400
Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: 404-358-5877
Fax: 404-816-2539
Spotting Dehydration in Seniors: What Caregivers Need To Know

Spotting Dehydration in Seniors: What Caregivers Need To Know

Hydration is essential to maintain physical health, yet studies show that many older adults are not getting adequate hydration. There’s also a concern that dehydration is often under-recognized, especially for older adults who live with chronic health conditions. 

If you’re a caregiver, whether a professional health aide or family caretaker, it’s important to know about dehydration in seniors. Understanding the signs and risks can help you better spot dehydration and know how to prevent it, keeping them safe and healthy. 

What Is Dehydration?

About 60 percent of the human body contains water. It’s a vital nutrient that the body needs to regulate body temperature, transport other nutrients through the bloodstream, form saliva, lubricate joints, and rid the body of waste.

Dehydration happens when the body loses more water than it’s taking in. The average senior adult loses about two liters of water per day. People most commonly lose water from sweating and urinating. Vomiting and diarrhea can also lead to water loss. To keep from getting dehydrated, seniors must ensure they’re replenishing the fluids their body loses.

Signs And Symptoms Of Dehydration

The signs and symptoms of dehydration in older adults may vary depending on the individual's health and how dehydrated they are. Common dehydration symptoms can include:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Fatigue 

As dehydration gets worse, the symptoms may grow more intense. If a person becomes more severely dehydrated, you want to look out for:

  • Flushed skin
  • Swollen feet
  • Muscle cramps
  • Chills or shaking
  • Increased heart rate

What To Do If Someone Is Dehydrated

If a person is mildly dehydrated, meaning they’re experiencing symptoms of thirst, dry mouth, or a headache but are still feeling relatively okay, you want to help them rehydrate with water. Give them a small glass of water and have them sip slowly instead of drinking it all at once. 

You also want to ensure they replenish electrolytes like sodium and potassium. You can help them get electrolytes through foods, primarily produce, or over-the-counter supplements that you can mix into water. 

For more severe dehydration, you want to get seniors medical attention immediately as it can be life-threatening. Doctors can inject fluids and electrolytes into the body for quicker hydration. They’ll also be able to moderate the individual and keep them stable. Signs and symptoms of severe dehydration include confusion, dizziness, a weak or rapid pulse, loss of consciousness, or seizures. 

Staying Safe With Visiting Angels

Dehydration can quickly become dangerous for seniors. Working with a Visiting Angels caregiver can help alleviate some of the worry by helping you stay hydrated and identifying signs and risk factors of dehydration.

Visiting Angels is an at-home care agency that provides various at-home care services to seniors throughout Atlanta and the surrounding communities. Our services range from companionship and personal care to more specialized services such as dementia care and end-of-life assistance. 

Contact our office and schedule a complimentary consultation. We’d love the opportunity to share more about how we can help your loved one enjoy their senior years safely at home.

Serving Atlanta, Buckhead, Decatur, Vinings, GA and the Surrounding Communities

Visiting Angels ATLANTA EAST, GA
309 E Paces Ferry Rd NE #400
Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: 404-358-5877
Fax: 404-816-2539