Tips To Keep Your Senior Loved One in Chelsea Hydrated

Water is important to almost everything the human body does. If you have a senior loved one, you may have noticed that they are not getting enough water each day.

While it seems simple enough on paper, drinking enough water every day can be a challenge for many seniors. Here are some simple ways to help your loved one get enough water at home!

Why Do Seniors Struggle With Hydration?

Innate thirst signals get less powerful as we age, making it more difficult for your senior loved one to know when they need to drink more water.

If your senior loved one is on any medications that dehydrate them–such as diuretics for heart or blood pressure issues–they need to take extra care to stay hydrated. 

What Can Happen When Seniors Get Dehydrated?

Dehydration can pose many risks for seniors. Dehydration can cause many serious health issues, such as heart and blood pressure problems.

If dehydration continues for long enough, your loved one will need to see a medical professional to safely rehydrate them and address potential damage to their bodies. 

Sings Your Loved One Needs More Water

There are several warning signs you can spot to prevent dehydration before it becomes a major problem.

If you notice that your senior loved one is feeling dizzy, exhibiting signs of confusion, or complaining about dry mouth, it’s time to provide them with more water.

If your senior loved one is suffering from muscle weakness, loss of consciousness, or heart palpitations, you should take them to an emergency medical care provider as soon as possible. 

How To Keep Your Loved One Hydrated

In order to keep your loved one properly hydrated, you should make it as easy as possible for your loved one to drink water during the day.

Place fresh water bottles in easily accessible places throughout their home and give your loved one gentle hydration reminders.

You can also encourage them to drink more water by adding zero-sugar water flavoring additives to their water bottles–a little extra stimulation from the added flavor can be the difference that makes them want to drink more water. 

Other Sources of Hydration

You can add more water to your loved one’s daily routine through other routes, too! Many foods like oranges, zucchini, tomatoes, yogurt, and broccoli contain a good deal of water.

Incorporating these foods into your loved one’s meals and snacks can help them stay hydrated without needing to drink as many glasses of water.

You can also give them hydrating beverages that aren’t water, such as tea (make sure it’s caffeine-free), milk, and zero-sugar electrolyte drinks. 

How Visiting Angels of Chelsea Can Help!

Our in-home care providers can help your senior loved one with hydration by monitoring their water intake, preparing healthy meals, and offering them water whenever needed.

But we don’t just provide hydration assistance! Our professional in-home caregivers can offer non-medical assistance with daily tasks like bathing, toileting, dressing, and more.

Our care programs are all personalized, as well, so your senior loved one will receive the specific types of care they need to stay safe and comfortable at home.

Our Team at Visiting Angels of Chelsea is Ready To Serve Your Family!

If you’re ready to find out more about our in-home care services, visit our online contact page or call our office at 617-409-9039 to speak with our team about scheduling a free, no-obligation in-home care evaluation.

We look forward to meeting with you to discuss how we can help your senior loved one thrive while aging in place!