Promoting Hydration in Older Adults
With summer fast approaching and the recent hot bout of weather it is really important to keep fully hydrated. This article is aimed at giving seniors and caregivers of those with Dementia practical information on hydration.
Why keep hydrated? The body is made up of roughly 60% of water which is needed to enable the brain and body to function effectively. Your body uses water in all its cells, organs, and tissues to help regulate its temperature and maintain other bodily functions. Because your body loses water through breathing,sweating, and digestion, it's important to re-hydrate by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water. Being properly hydrated is also needed for some medications to work effectively.
What can happen if I’m dehydrated? Being dehydrated can have serious health implications in the elderly and those with Dementia.
It can increase UTI’s (Urinary Tract Infections), impair our thinking, change our mood, cause dizziness and can increase the instances of falls. Sometimes dehydration can lead to hospitalization and decrease the effective function of organs in the body such as the kidneys.
Signs of dehydration.
·Added confusion and delirium
·Dry-lips
·Headache
·Dizziness
·Dark colored, strong smelling urine
·Weakness
Helping the elderly and those with memory loss to increase fluid intake We are aware that as a caregiver it can often be difficult to ensure someone with Dementia or memory loss has a regular intake of fluid. Here are some tips that may help....
Always have a drink by the side of them at mealtimes and throughout the day
Add to water rich foods to meals and snacks, such as zucchini, cucumber, melon
Tea, coffee, squashes and fruit juices can also aid hydration
Some people prefer hot drinks to cold or the other way around, experiment with beverages at different temperatures, why not try an iced tea or coffee
Try smoothies, sports drinks, milkshakes and flavored water, or even adding fruit to flavor plain water
Use visual aids as reminders to add fluid intake into their daily routine
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