How to Prevent Dehydration in Seniors

When it comes to taking care of an aging parent or family member, you want to keep them safe from any potential dangers. Did you know that one of those dangers includes dehydration? Well, our home care Omaha NE professionals want you to know that it is, and sometimes seniors themselves don’t realize they need water. 

What is dehydration?

Dehydration is when your body doesn’t have enough water. This problem occurs when your body uses the water and it is not replaced. If dehydration is left untreated, it can become a severe problem that causes seizures, brain damage and even death. 

Symptoms of dehydration include: 

• A dry mouth 

• Dry or cool skin 

• Headaches

• Muscle cramps

• Dizziness

What causes dehydration in seniors? 

According to the Mayo Clinic, dehydration is dangerous for seniors. It could start to damage their bodies and lead to heat related injuries. Now, you’re probably wondering, what puts seniors at such a high risk for dehydration? The causes of dehydration in seniors include age, illnesses and immobility. 

As you start to age, your body loses its ability to store water the way it once did. On top of that, your ability to know if you are thirsty also is less accurate. Many times seniors don’t know when they are thirsty. 

Seniors also have illnesses like diabetes or other diseases that put that at a higher risk of dehydration. Also, they might have to take medication that makes them use the restroom more often. If they are unable to move by themselves, it cannot be very easy to replace all those liquids. 

How to prevent hydration in seniors 

Make water accessible

Age or illness can make seniors less mobile. They might not be able to move or reach high areas.  If their water sources are out of reach, it can be difficult for seniors who live at home alone to get water. 

Make sure that water bottles or pitchers of water are at their reach. Avoid storing any water bottles underneath kitchen cabinets. You can even place pitchers of water at their favorite locations so they can remember to drink it. 

Encourage them to offer foods high in water

There are times when seniors can become picky and decide not to drink water. Instead of asking them to drink more water, you can encourage them to eat foods containing high levels of water. 

You or a caregiver can encourage your senior loved one to eat foods that have high amounts of water like soups, jello, vegetables or fruits. That way, they get the proper amounts of water throughout the day. 

Hire an in-home caregiver 

How often do you see your parents that live at home alone? Do you know how many times they drink water? Are they in wheelchairs or bound to beds due to a condition? If you are not visiting often, you might want to consider hiring a home care Omaha NE professional. 

A caregiver can give your parents the supervision they need to make sure they are drinking enough water, moving or eating safely. This service provides your aging loved one the assistance without compromising their independence.

When it comes to choosing the best home care Omaha Ne service, choose Akkase Home Health Care. Contact us to set up a consultation.