The Importance of Hydration for Older Adults
Many people don’t realize what a real risk dehydration can be for older adults. Even mild dehydration can result in confused thinking, fatigue, weakness, and decreased coordination — all of which, in turn, contribute to a high risk of falling.
Elder Care in Broomall PA: Importance of Hydration
Dehydration weakens the body’s immune system, resulting in a higher risk of illness and a lowered ability to heal or handle health problems of any kind. Moderate to severe dehydration can damage muscles, kidneys and even become a life-threatening emergency.
Dehydration is widespread in adults over 65. Not only does the risk of dehydration increase with age, but the risk of its serious consequences does also. It is important to be aware of the risk factors, recognize the signs, and above all, take measures to prevent dehydration to the extent possible.
Risk Factors for Dehydration in Seniors
Seniors are at increased risk for dehydration for a number of reasons. First, as people age, thirst signals tend to decrease. Seniors simply don’t feel thirsty most of the time. By the time they do, most are already significantly dehydrated. Many seniors don’t realize that thirst sensation is not a good indicator of their body’s true fluid needs.
Other risk factors of dehydration can include:
- Urinary incontinence can cause seniors to cut down on fluids in fear of having an accident.
- Poor memory can affect a senior’s ability to remember to drink.
- Uncontrolled diabetes can cause increased urination.
- Common medications contribute to dehydration. Examples include many blood pressure meds, antihistamines, and laxatives, as well as medications for heart failure or swollen legs.
- Vomiting or diarrhea can quickly dehydrate a body.
Signs of Dehydration
Signs of dehydration include fatigue, dizziness, confusion, and muscle cramping. Frequent urination, especially if the urine is darker than a pale yellow, can also be a warning sign.
Preventing Dehydration
It’s important for seniors to drink fluids proactively, rather than waiting for thirst to remind them. Eating foods with lots of fluid content, like soup or melon can be helpful. Caffeine and alcohol can cause an increase in urination, so cutting them down or out can be a good idea.
Seniors should speak to a doctor or pharmacist about all prescriptions and over the counter medications, so they understand which may contribute to a risk of dehydration.
Senior Care can Help
Senior care can help older adults prevent dehydration in a number of ways. Senior care is designed to allow each individual to select and customize services from their robust menu of options, so everyone’s support plan looks different. Common ways that senior care helps with hydration include:
- Transportation or shopping support, to ensure availability of a selection of enticing drinks, fresh fruits, and moisture-rich foods.
- Meal preparation, to offer tasty, low sodium home-cooked options.
- Meal, snack, or drink reminders, to ensure skipped meals don’t contribute to a reduced fluid intake. Food is a major source of hydration for many seniors.
- Drink preparation, such as mixing up milkshakes or making fruit infusions for the senior to sip.
- Companionship. Many seniors appreciate a companion, and taking tea together or sharing a couple of sodas can be a natural and enjoyable way to increase fluids ‒ and meaningful social interaction.
Talk to the senior care agency about how they can help support your senior’s hydration needs, and prevent the next crisis before it ever occurs.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elder Care in Broomall PA, please contact the friendly staff at Suma Home Care.
Call today: (484) 206-4544
Sources
https://health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/what-older-adults-need-to-know-about-hydration
Ibrahim recently completed a Professional Certificate in Management; He is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Administrations (MBA) at a prestigious university in the UK.
With their passion for helping others and a strong background in customer services and clinical care, Ibrahim and his wife started assisting individuals in their homes.
Since started and operating Suma Home Care in 2010 in the basement of their home, Suma Home Care has provided professionals who work endlessly in providing clients with the highest quality of care, while enabling clients to maintain dignity, comfort and safety in their homes.
Suma Home Care, serves four counties in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia. Ibrahim is firmly connected to his local community and is always looking for ways to give back whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Ibrahim enjoys spending time with his wife and children, travelling and enjoys sports.
Mariama Suma-Keita BSN RN
Born in Sierra Leone west Africa, relocated to America in 1999 from a civil war and settled since in the U.S.A as a Naturalized citizen Graduated from National school of nursing with an associate , and completed BSN in Nursing from Immaculata University graduated with Honor roll Alpha Lambda sigma, After escaping the war served as a refugee nurse in Gambia and Guinea to other displaced refugees before coming to America.
In the states started in Homecare then then transition into hospital, worked in Jefferson hospital as a Registered nurse on Tele and general medsurg floor, also worked in Einstein hospital as an oncology transplant nurse , I realized that I enjoy working with patients so much and believe in quality and compassionate care one at a time dealing with an holistic approach in caring for patients and family in a familiar environment called home , I see the impact and progress when they’re home , it makes them feel relax and progress fast with recovering at home. As a nurse and entrepreneur I understand that dedication to meeting people and families needs is a priority, and able to foster relationships with family and patients that is professional and friendly to help them stay and settled home as a desire.
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