5 Tips for Preventing Dehydration in seniors

Dehydration is a common concern among seniors which is easily overlooked. Fortunately, there are several easy and convenient ways to prevent dehydration in the elderly and to avoid potential health complications. Mesa home care professionals share 5 useful tips to keep your loved one hydrated all day.

1. Add Variety

Having to drink plain water throughout the day in required amount can be discouraging. Though it is vital to drink water regularly, the body can also benefit from other fluids and water based foods, like watermelon and natural juice. Having a variety of fluids and water based foods in the house can enhance your loved one’s motivation to eat or drink, therefore, boosts nutrient intake and hydration.

2. Convenience

The convenience of getting a drink can affect how much a senior consumes liquids. If a senior with limited mobility has a room upstairs and having to go downstairs to have a glass of water can be discouraging. Keep a water bottle and glass handy next to your loved one’s bedside, or consider getting a water dispenser, placed close you his or her preferred place of seating. Have easy accessible foods and drinks can encourage the consumption of fluids.

3. Reminders and Count Down

Having a daily visible reminder can be helpful for seniors to track how much liquid he or she should consume each day that is typically eight glasses per day. Make sure your loved one marks down how much is left to go. As a caregiver, having a way to set reminders and keep track can ensure your loved one is getting enough fluids to prevent dehydration.

4. Avoid Diuretics

There are some common caffeinated drinks that can increase the chances of dehydration as they cause more urination. These drinks include coffee, tea, and caffeinated soft drinks. Replace caffeinated drinks with decaffeinated versions of the same items, also consider alternatives like water infused with vitamin-rich juice mixes.

5. Reduce Incontinence

It is not uncommon for seniors to have weakened pelvic muscles and they fear to have accidents, especially at night. Help your senior loved one to feel comfortable as it will make drinking enough water less stressful and embarrassing. Ensure that the proper amount of fluids in consumed earlier in the day and emphasize the need for using the bathroom before bed and using incontinence-friendly undergarments as ways to prevent accidents and help promote hydration in the elderly.

Consuming a full 64 ounces of liquid a day at any age can seem daunting, it is, however, important to ensure your loved one stays well hydrated throughout the day. Offer enough support and love to help imp or her overcome the feelings of embarrassment in case of an accident. You can also consider having professional home care. Mesa families often trust this senior care option to allow their loved ones get the assistance they need while aging in the comfort of home with family and cherished memories.

John Snow is a freelence writer working for over 5 years. He loves to write on health, fitness, healthy lifestyle and food topics. He currently working for Home care Assistance of Mesa.