Stay Hydrated: Preventing Dehydration in Seniors

Keeping our aging loved ones well-hydrated is super important. It might seem simple and easy, but it is critical to keeping them healthy. You've probably heard the age-old advice that 8 glasses of water per day is the best, though that is a great place to start, it's not always the whole story. Let's dive into why staying hydrated is so important for seniors.

Why Hydration is Crucial for Seniors

As we age, our bodies change. Things like feeling thirsty or remembering to drink throughout the day can become more difficult. Plus, certain types of medication can throw our body's water balance off track. If your loved on has health concerns like diabetes or kidney problems, staying hydrated is even more important.

Dehydration can sneak up on you and it's not fun once it sets in. You could start to feel dizzy, tired, or even confused. It can also make other health conditions worse and can turn into a potentially dangerous situation if not addressed promptly. 

Spotting the Signs of Dehydration

It can be tricky to notice the symptoms of someone who is dehydrated. Here are some common signs to watch out for:

• Dry mouth or dry/sticky lips
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Less frequent trips to the bathroom accompanied by constipation or dark urine
• Muscle cramping
• Dizziness
• Confusion or disorientation
• Rapid heartbeat
• Drop in blood pressure
• Nausea and/or vomiting

How Much Water Should Seniors Drink?

The right amount of water depends on a number of factors, such as the senior's weight, activity level and overall health. A good starting point to start with is to encourage them to drink 1/3 to 1/2 of their body's weight in ounces per day. Remember, though, this is just a general guideline. If it is hot and humid outside, as it can get in Minnesota, or if they are very active, they should drink more. And, if they have any health concerns, it's best to check with their doctor for specific advice.

Consequences of Dehydration

Being dehydrated can aggravate chronic conditions or it can even cause more serious health concerns for aging seniors, these concerns include:

• Blood clot complications
• Heat stroke
• Decrease in blood volume
• Kidney stones
• Shock
• UTI (urinary tract infection)

Hydration Tips

Getting someone to drink more water can be a challenge. There are some creative ways to help encourage increased fluid intake such as introducing new or different sources of fluid like soup, watery fruits like watermelon, adding fruit or flavor to their water, or trying sugar-free drinks. Other ideas might include:

• Make a fruit smoothie with both water and fruit
• Encourage drinking a full glass of water when taking medication
• Include Ensure or other sports drinks as an alternative to water on occasion
• Keep a glass or pitcher of water nearby so it is easy to access and can act as a reminder to drink more frequently
• Limit alcohol consumption to 1 drink per day for women, or 2 for men

Home Care Can Help

In-home care providers like Visiting Angels can aid in preventing dehydration for seniors. They can remind your loved on to drink, prepare hydrating foods and drinks and assist with bathroom tips.

Keeping your loved on hydrated and healthy is a team effort. With a little creativity and support, we can all help them stay happy and healthy! If you have any questions regarding home care services or are looking for additional tips or support for your loved one, please reach out! We are happy to help. Contact us with our inquiry form or give us a call at 952-935-0789. We are here to serve the entire west and southwest metro area of Minneapolis. From Maple Grove to Wayzata and even into Eden Prairie and Chaska, we are Minnesota's choice in home care!