Overview
Dehydration in the senior population can put our loved one at risk for falls and may lead to other medical concerns. Dehydration can be both cause and effect of underlying medical conditions. According to a 2014 UK study 46% of seniors in residential care were shown to have mild to moderate dehydration levels.
During a recent phone call with a daughter of a 72-year-old woman, she told me that “I thought my mom was going crazy” after a recent visit to the emergency room. Her mom was agitated, forgetful and lethargic. She thought something serious was going on and that her sweet mother’s mind and body was shutting down before her eyes. Fortunately, with a quick emergency room visit, some hydration and an antibiotic for a urinary tract infection she was back at home and within a few days was back to her old self.
Reasons we are more at risk of dehydration as we age:
- The overall volume of water decreases in our bodies as we age, therefore depleting our reserves.
- Our bodies natural thirst response also decreases as we age.
- Dehydration can also be brought on by medical diagnosis.
Dehydration Causes
There can be various causes of dehydration. If you loved one is experiencing any of the following is it a good idea to keep an eye out for dehydration:
- Illness or infection
- Diarrhea
- Diabetes, high blood sugar can trigger dehydration
- Exposure to heat
- Medications that are a diuretic can cause increased urination
- Kidney disease can cause fluid loss
Dehydration Symptoms in Seniors
Most of the time, the beginning signs are subtle. Here are some signs to look for:
- Decreased energy
- Confusion
- Increased agitation
- Sunken eyes
- Complaining of dizziness
- Dark colored urine
- Low blood pressure, if monitoring at home
- Urinating less frequently
Hydration Tips
There are many things you can do to ensure that your loved one is properly hydrated.
- Use a favorite cup or mug to encourage drinking. (think mugs/cups with family pictures, fun sayings or from a favorite vacation)
- Always offer drinks with meals.
- Keep a drink accessible all day by keeping something near their favorite spot to sit.
- Get to know their favorite drinks (decaffeinated hot tea, iced tea, juices, etc.)
- Encourage extra liquid consumption when it is time to take medications.
- To keep track of liquid consumption, use a measured water tracking mug. (insert affiliate link)
- Avoid excess of caffeinated drink, limiting to one serving a day.
- Water down favorite juices, adding flavor but decreasing sugar content.
- Add lemon to water.
- Offer fruits and vegetables with higher water content (citrus fruits, melons, lettuce, tomatoes, zucchini).
- At meals, offer meals with higher liquid content. (soups, oatmeal, salads, etc.)
- Add drink packets, sweetened with natural low-calorie sweeteners like stevia.
- Use a tracking form to keep track of liquid intake.
- Provide liquids when your loved one is active, encouraging them to take breaks as needed.
- Offer extra liquid if they are spending time outdoors with warmer weather.
Dehydration can be one of the first signs of a non-life threatening or more serious medical issue, if you are concerned, please reach out to your loved one’s doctor or call 911 in an emergency.
View our Caregiver Organizer & Planner to start tracking your loved one’s liquid intake today.