5 Tips for Summer Hydration for Seniors
Elderly adults experience higher risks for dehydration in the summer months, due to temperature and how an aging body reacts to losing more fluid than it takes in.
Family caregivers need to know how dehydration happens so quickly in elderly adults and how to prevent it at home and elsewhere.
Studies show that seniors are much less likely to feel thirst, and therefore don’t reach for a glass as often as they should. They may abstain from drinking water on purpose due to incontinence issues. Finally, they may have mobility issues that prevent them from regular access to liquid refreshment. That’s why it’s so important that family caregivers and in-home care providers see that those elderly adults drink plenty of water every day, all day.
5 Tips to Hydrate Seniors in Summer
Family caregivers and home care providers need to help the elderly adult in staying hydrated. There are plenty of ways to do this that don’t involve them guzzling water at every meal. Here are 5 tips on getting enough fluids in aging adults to keep them hydrated.
1. Make liquids easy to access all day long.
Many seniors struggle with getting access to water, especially if they have mobility issues or are bedridden. Family caregivers and home care providers need to figure out all the ways that seniors can ingest fluids all day long. Many carry a full water bottle and sip throughout the day, while others rely on draining their cup with every meal. No matter the method, seniors must have easy access to stay hydrated.
2. Encourage fluid intake with as many varieties as possible.
Of course, water is the best way to hydrate the body, but many seniors simply want something with more flavor Tea, fruit juice, flavored water and even sports drinks can provide some variety and get them to drink more often throughout the day.
3. Prepare meals with hydrating foods.
There are plenty of foods that help the body replenish fluids and most of them are extremely healthy as well. The best foods for hydrating include raw cucumbers, green salad, watermelon, eggplant, celery, grapes, carrots, pineapple, and pears. Don’t forget about soups, stews, frozen ice treats, tomato sauce, yogurt and applesauce, which can add to the daily fluids needed.
4. Adjust fluid intake for certain illnesses.
There are many things that can cause an elderly person to lose fluids faster than they take them in. Illness with a fever, sweating, diarrhea or vomiting can quickly deplete the body and bring it to dangerous dehydration levels. Other considerations include whether they are taking certain known diuretics like medicine, alcohol or caffeinated drinks. In any of these instances, seniors should increase their fluid intake.
5. Check urine color to discern hydration levels.
Family caregivers and home care providers can peek at the toilet bowl after the elderly person has urinated to check its color. When a person is properly hydrated, their urine is light in color and has no odor. When the urine is dark and smells strong, that’s a sign that the elderly person needs more hydration and fast.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Home Health Care in Alpharetta, GA, please contact the friendly staff at Certified Home Care of Georgia. Call today 770-635-8042
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