Dehydration must be avoided since it can cause serious health problems and is a common cause of hospitalization in people over 65. Certain medications will not work unless you are well hydrated. In a perfect world, we would be able to prevent seniors from being dehydrated, but it is not easy to increase another person’s consumption of fluids when they refuse to cooperate.
We at Discovery Commons At Wildewood deeply understand the importance of bodily hydration, so here are some hydration tips for your loved ones.
How Much Water Should Your Loved One Drink in a Day?
To keep hydrated in hot weather, most of us drink plenty of water and consume foods that are high in water. The usual advice for people is 64 ounces of fluid each day, but this quantity varies depending on heat and humidity, as well as medicines and medical conditions.
Trying to balance fluid intake and outflow is a useful rule to remember. If a senior is urinating or sweating more often, they should increase their fluid consumption. If a loved one is sick with a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, it is critical to keep an eye on their fluid consumption. Keep in mind that even in chilly conditions, you might become dehydrated!
Make Sure that Water Is Always Available
Insulated mugs are a great way to keep liquids cold and encourage elders to stay hydrated. When caregivers stop by to check on residents or administer medications, they can refill cups. It is also an opportunity to make sure folks have access to water and urge them to drink.
It is important to remember that cold water is not always the greatest choice. It is sometimes better to drink water that is room temperature or without ice, since it is easier to swallow, lessens constriction during swallowing, and eliminates the feeling of being “chilled” that many elderly and vulnerable persons experience.
Seniors and carers can easily see how much alcohol has been consumed and how much is left in the clear cups. Some designs include graded marks to make keeping track of your usage easier.
Another technique to encourage older people to stay hydrated is to give them two different colored mugs, one to drink in the morning and the other to finish in the afternoon. This might encourage seniors to drink more water throughout the day.
Consume Snacks that Contribute to Hydration of the Body
To minimize dehydration this summer, include dehydrating snacks in your meal plan. In the summer, many fruits are at their prime and will add a burst of color and flavor to your diet. Melon has the highest water content of any fruit, but other juicy options include berries, citrus fruits, stone fruits, and tropical fruits.
Outside of meals, delicious snacks such as applesauce cups and Jell-O cups would be a great fit for a hydration station.
Water absorption can be aided by certain meals and snacks. Foods that are fibrous hold water and decompose slowly. Slow absorption can help seniors stay hydrated for longer periods of time.
