Alternatives to Make Seniors Drink More Water

Summer or winter, staying hydrated is necessary for everyone. It is important to check in on your aging loved ones to ensure they drink plenty of water each day. Many seniors don’t drink enough water that results in dehydrations. This gets even serious during summer as the heat indexes get high and seniors get more dehydrated.

Home Care Assistance Huntsville has found that dehydration is a big issue and can be very challenging for seniors. Nowadays, it is certainly one of the most common reasons for hospitalization, which can even risk longevity. It is also related to low blood pressure, weak pulse, blood clots, kidney stones etc.

As seniors don’t often stay properly hydrated due to lack of thirst or maybe they don’t like plain water anymore Huntsville non-medical home care suggest some great ways to get your loved one drink plenty of water throughout the day.

1. Replace Dehydrating Beverages with Water

It is typically better for seniors to drink more liquids. However, to indulge the taste buds, seniors opt for artificially flavored and carbonated beverages, which work to increase the dehydration. Therefore, while seniors can easily substitute fresh fruits and vegetables for water, they should avoid the consumption of highly processed and sweetened drinks. Alcohol and caffeine are also known to cause dehydration. Whenever your loved one reaches for these drinks, replace them with water.

2. Try Flavored Water

Seniors may get bored by drinking plain water, which is normal. Don’t force your loved one to drink plain water, instead, add natural flavors to change the taste. Try adding cucumbers, limes, mint, or lemons, to the water to encourage more consumption. Make sure to read the label before buying flavors that it doesn’t contain too much sugar.

3. Keep Water Accessible

Some seniors don’t drink water just because they simply cannot access it. Keep water in a place where your loved one can easily serve themselves and don’t have to struggle for reaching it. Keeping water accessible will go a long way in properly hydrating your loved one.

4. Go for Savory Over Sweet

Most family caregivers ultimately try to sweeten water or offer fruit juices just to get their loved ones drink more water. If this isn’t affecting as much as it would, go for the savory approach. Hot soup broth is a great and filling way to increase water consumption in the diet with added nutritional benefits.

5. Make Popsicles at Home

If your loved one like to go a little fancy, try making your own homemade popsicles. Use fresh fruit juices and water to make the popsicles. Avoid buying the highly processed ones that do no benefit. It is also a great way for seniors to have fun, fulfill nutritional needs, and stay hydrated, especially during summer.

While hydration is on top of the list, staying overall healthy is very important. If your loved one needs assistance to keep up their health, consider turning to Huntsville home care agency. The professionals will help your loved one with meal preparations and introduce fun ways to remain healthy, fit and independent in golden years by aging in place.