Helping Seniors Stay Hydrated

This article brought to you courtesy of Carriage Place Memory Care, Central Oregonian Insider Senior Living Expert. Sponsored content.

This year, heat waves have already hit multiple states and are forecasted to continue. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to high temperatures and need to stay properly hydrated. Whether you are a senior or a caregiver for an older adult, here’s what you should know about hydration in older adults.

Older people are more prone to heat stress because their bodies do not adjust as efficiently to temperature changes. Some seniors also take medications that can cause them to sweat more. Many seniors don’t drink as much water due to their reduced sense of thirst, limited mobility, health conditions, and medication implications. Some seniors detest the taste of water and refuse to drink it.

Common signs of dehydration are constipation, muscle cramps, headache, lethargy/sleepiness, dizziness, confusion and irritability among others. If you notice these symptoms in a senior, it’s essential to hydrate immediately and seek medical care.

To overcome resistance to drinking water try hydrating treats, such as flavored ices, popsicles, sorbet, and gelatin. Eat fruit with high water content like grapes, melon, strawberries, pineapple, and peaches. If warm beverages are preferred, try hot water flavored with honey, but avoid caffeine as it is a diuretic. Keeping liquid nearby can increase the likelihood of drinking it throughout the day. Ensure that seniors drink a minimum of 8-ounces of water with every medication. Caring Places put hydration and the overall health of their senior residents at the forefront of its focus.