Staying properly hydrated is crucial for the human body to function optimally. However, older adults are particularly vulnerable to dehydration, as their sense of thirst naturally diminishes with age. Caregivers must remain attentive and watch for signs of dehydration to ensure the well-being of those in their care.
Why Seniors Are More Vulnerable to Dehydration
An older adult’s thirst mechanism declines with age. As a result, they are less likely to notice when they are thirsty. Seniors also feel less thirsty when their bodies do not receive enough fluids. When they drink less water throughout the day, they experience dehydration.
Dehydration in the elderly may also be caused by chronic illnesses, like Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, or poorly controlled diabetes. Seniors with mobility or incontinence issues may struggle to get to the restroom in time; as a result, they avoid drinking enough water and become dehydrated.
How Do You Know if an Elderly Person is Dehydrated?
Older adults exhibit several symptoms when they are dehydrated. Their mouth, lips, eyes, or skin become dry. Rather than the pale, straw-colored urine indicative of optimum hydration, dehydrated seniors’ urine appears dark and smells strong. Decreased urination also accompanies dehydration.
Seniors who don’t drink enough fluids experience fatigue and weakness, which can lead to falls. Additional health problems include dizziness or lightheadedness and headaches. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of constipation, as it prevents stool from becoming soft and easy to pass.
Common signs of dehydration in seniors:
- Dry mouth or sticky saliva
- Fatigue or weakness
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Dark yellow or low urine output
- Confusion or disorientation
- Sunken eyes or dry skin
- Headaches
- Rapid heart rate or breathing
- Muscle cramps
- Irritability or mood changes
- Constipation
- Low blood pressure
- Difficulty walking or unsteady gait
When is Dehydration in Seniors Serious?
Heart palpitations are a possibility when the aging body is insufficiently hydrated. This is because blood is unable to circulate without enough water in the body. A drop in blood pressure occurs, and, in some older adults, the aforementioned heart palpitations.
When blood pressure drops in dehydrated elderly individuals, confusion, disorientation, or dizziness follow. Along with dizziness is the increased risk of falls. Furthermore, the drop in blood pressure deprives the aging brain of oxygen; the lack of blood flow to the brain precedes fainting.
Skin needs hydration to retain its elasticity. Without enough water, the skin loses its suppleness. Caregivers can try the skin test: Lightly pinch the senior’s skin; if it stays elevated, hydration is needed. Sunken, red eyes or blurriness are also outcomes of poor hydration.
Dehydration and Cognitive Decline: The Overlooked Connection
The brain is mostly made up of water. A lack of sufficient fluids impairs optimal brain functioning, leading to conditions that mimic dementia. Hydration and dementia both cause cognitive issues, like confusion, memory loss, and difficulty with decision-making and concentration.
Delirium, a sudden change in mental status, is a consequence when seniors neglect to drink enough water. Dehydration significantly increases the risk of delirium in the elderly. Caregivers and families must recognize the symptoms to ensure timely intervention and prevent serious complications.
How to Prevent Dehydration in Older Adults
Caregivers are tasked with keeping their elderly care recipients well-hydrated. According to the National Council on Aging, seniors should drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. Provide the senior with a reusable water bottle filled with water and encourage them to sip throughout the day.
Tips for caregivers include establishing a hydration schedule or setting timed reminders on the senior’s phone to hydrate. Make hydration an enjoyable experience by adding berries, lemon, or slices of orange to plain water. Serve the older adult water-rich foods, like gelatin, pureed fruit, or yogurt.
When Should I Take My Elderly Parent to the Doctor for Dehydration?
Dehydration can escalate, leading to severe health complications. Caregivers who notice the senior is unable to urinate, experiences heart palpitations, faints, or acts confused should take them to the ER or urgent care facility. Rapid breathing and heat-related nausea warrant immediate medical attention, too.
Kidney damage is a potential risk when seniors neglect to hydrate. The kidneys heavily rely on water to filter waste and regulate fluids. Per the National Kidney Foundation, mild dehydration can lead to permanent kidney damage over time, and severe dehydration causes damage more quickly.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are also likely when a dehydrated body is unable to flush out bacteria effectively. Caregivers should therefore monitor the senior’s fluid intake and output to prevent kidney damage and UTIs and the need for hospitalization if these conditions occur.
How Our Caregivers Support Senior Hydration
Attentive caregivers can be a first line of defense against dehydration in the elderly. By recognizing symptoms and taking swift action, the caregiver prevents severe health complications in the senior. The caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care promote hydration as well as overall health in older adults.
We focus on providing hands-on care that meets the unique needs of seniors. Elderly individuals who are at risk for dehydration, whether due to dementia, stroke, or other health conditions, receive a customized hydration plan to ensure regular fluid intake; the plan includes serving beverages throughout the day.
Additionally, we monitor seniors to ensure they are amply hydrated. Reminders to drink are provided. We prepare healthy meals filled with water-rich foods, such as soups, fruits, and dairy, while following the senior’s dietary plan. Our companionship encourages them to eat more at meals and hydrate.
Get Started with Home Care Today
Home care services from our agency are designed to promote the physical and emotional well-being of the elderly. Our experienced caregivers are aware of the importance of hydration and make drinking fluids enjoyable, whether by adding flavors or offering friendly reminders.
Compassionate senior care from Assisting Hands Home Care reduces an older adult’s risk of dehydration. Our comprehensive in-home services also meet the daily non-medical care needs of seniors, from hygiene assistance to grocery shopping and transportation to medical offices and pharmacies.
Assisting Hands Home Care is privileged to serve The Villages, Oxford, Ocala, Leesburg, Lady Lake, Florida, and the nearby areas. If your aging loved one is at risk for dehydration, utilize our quality care services to keep them well-hydrated every day. Schedule a free in-home consult to learn how elder home care elevates health and quality of life.
FAQs – Dehydration in Seniors
What’s the quickest way to rehydrate?
The fastest way to rehydrate is by consuming fluids with electrolytes, such as oral rehydration solutions, electrolyte drinks, or water mixed with a pinch of salt and sugar. For severe dehydration, intravenous (IV) fluids administered by a healthcare professional are the quickest solution. For mild to moderate dehydration, sipping smaller amounts of liquids frequently is more effective than drinking large quantities at once.
Are electrolyte drinks safe for older adults?
Electrolyte drinks can be safe for seniors when used responsibly and in moderation. Opt for low-sugar and low-sodium varieties, and consult with a doctor, particularly if the person has heart, kidney, or blood pressure issues. Gentle alternatives, such as coconut water or homemade oral rehydration solutions, are often better choices.
How much water should seniors drink daily?
On average, seniors should aim for 6 to 8 cups (48 to 64 ounces) of water per day. However, individual needs may vary based on health, activity level, or medications. Some seniors may need extra hydration due to specific conditions or hot weather. It’s best to consult a healthcare professional for tailored recommendations.
How can I encourage a senior to drink more water?
- Offer hydrating foods like fruits, soups, or smoothies.
- Set reminders or create a hydration schedule to prompt regular drinking.
- Add a dash of flavor with ingredients like lemon, cucumber, or berries.
- Provide favorite cups or straws that make drinking easier and more enjoyable.
- Recommend taking small, frequent sips throughout the day instead of large portions.
