It is common to underestimate the need for proper hydration, especially during the post-hospital recovery period. For seniors who are aging in place, being properly hydrated is crucial to a quick and efficient recovery. Adequate consumption of fluids promotes general well-being, facilitates recovery, and helps avoid issues that may result from dehydration. While it might seem like a simple thing, ensuring hydration is part of the post-hospital care plan is key.
Hydration’s Effect on Recuperation
Drinking enough water is essential for maintaining a number of body processes that are vital to healing. Consuming enough fluids promotes renal function, helps the body retain ideal blood pressure, and facilitates the absorption of nutrients from meals. Additionally, it helps eliminate toxins and guard against urinary tract infections, which can be problematic for seniors, particularly those who have just undergone surgery or are unwell. Additionally, staying well hydrated lowers the chance of developing bedsores and preserves the flexibility of the skin, both of which are critical for seniors who might not be as mobile throughout their recuperation.
Identifying the Signs of Dehydration
For seniors, dehydration can quickly become a major problem since seniors may not always feel thirsty or notice the symptoms. Dry mouth, dark yellow urine, lightheadedness, disorientation, and lethargic behavior are typical symptoms. Dehydration can result in consequences like kidney stones, urinary tract infections, or even re-hospitalization in more severe situations, which is why it’s critical to add hydration to the post-hospital care plan.
It’s critical that family members and home care monitor seniors and look out for these symptoms, as well as actively remind seniors to drink water throughout the day.
Tips for Maintaining Proper Hydration
It takes more than just suggesting that seniors should drink water to keep them hydrated. With this in mind, loved ones and home care may need to incorporate some of the following tips:
- Make a Hydration Schedule: The support team can talk with seniors to create a hydration schedule. This includes deciding when and how seniors should drink, such as having a glass of water before every meal and in between snacks. By having a schedule, drinking water will become a habit.
- Offer a Range of Fluids: Herbal teas, diluted juices, and broths are a few liquids that can help seniors stay hydrated in addition to water. For some seniors, these choices could be more enticing and offer more nutrients. Also, home care can work with seniors to add foods with a high water content to also help them stay hydrated. Some ideas include cucumbers, strawberries, oranges, and melons.
- Use Tools and Reminders: To assist seniors in remembering to consume fluids throughout the day, loved ones might think about utilizing hydration tracking applications or setting up reminders. Additionally, seniors might enjoy measurement-integrated bottles or cups to help with monitoring their intake.
Special Hydration Needs
Depending on their medical circumstances, some seniors might require more water than others. For instance, those with heart issues might need to control the kinds of fluids they drink, while seniors with diabetes might need to restrict how much fluid they take in. With these special circumstances, seniors should talk with their medical team to ensure they’re getting the right amount of fluids each day.
For seniors who age in place, staying hydrated is an essential part of their post-hospital care plan. It promotes their healing process and avoids difficulties that might lead to re-hospitalization. Home care and family members can help seniors stay well-hydrated and support their recovery by identifying the symptoms of dehydration, using practical hydration measures, and attending to specific needs.
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/prevent-dehydration
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/home-self-care
If you or an aging loved one is considering post-hospital care in Sedalia, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY Home Care of Parker. 303-953-9924
