Hydration is crucial because it keeps electrolytes balanced, blood volume regular, assists in digestion, delivery of nutrients, and kidney functioning. And if your older loved one gets dehydrated, they have the extra danger of mental disorientation. It is so crucial for your seniors to stay hydrated, especially as the season changes and it becomes warmer.
If you are having trouble getting your senior to drink any fluids, you may have to start getting creative. You can celebrate national lemonade day on May 1st to try and encourage your seniors to drink more. The best thing about lemonade is finding many different recipes to get your senior to drink more.
If a senior can’t have much sugar, try adding squeezed lemon into water or a sugar-free lemonade recipe to drink down on a hot day. There are so many reasons why a senior needs to keep hydrated, and you need to know what the signs of dehydration are. Senior home care can help spot the signs of dehydration in your senior, as well as remind them to drink more fluids throughout the day.
Signs of Dehydration
Dehydration can be cured, but if it gets bad, it can be deadly. Here are some signs you should be aware of when figuring out if your mom or dad may be struggling with dehydration. Here are the signs:
- Fatigue
- Mobility difficulty
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Dry skin or cracked lips
- Confusion
- Sunken eyes
- Inability to sweat or produce tears
- Rapid heart rate
- Low blood pressure
Unfortunately, these signs can also be from other underlying diseases. This can make it harder to identify when a senior is struggling with dementia.
Why Fluids Are Important for Seniors
Elderly people are at greater risk of dehydration due to a variety of physiological changes, including increased fluid loss, decreased body water content, and decreased fluid intake. Here is what you need to know when taking care of your elderly loved one.
Decreased Thirst
As we become older, we lose our ability to feel thirsty. Your thirst for hydration may be obvious to you, but your elderly relatives may not be able to tell you. Keeping an eye on your loved one’s water or fluid consumption can assist avoid a catastrophic medical disaster.
Kidney Functions Better When Hydrated
We lose kidney function as we become older, resulting in a decline in our capacity to excrete waste and produce urine. Maintaining optimal kidney function is made easier by drinking enough fluids.
It Can Help Brain Function
Dehydration symptoms in the elderly might mirror indicators of dementia. Why is that? Because the brain and body need equal amounts of fluids to operate properly. When brain cells get the right quantity of water, cognitive performance improves.
Helps With Digestion
Constipation is a symptom of dehydration. Staying hydrated and taking the correct quantity of fiber helps seniors remain regular. Lack of water may lead to gastritis, acid reflux, and in rare instances, ulcers since the stomach doesn’t have enough water to digest acid.
