“I thought he was having a stroke.”
That’s how Debbie Hilt, a consultant with the Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN) describes her 95-year-old dad’s scary bout with dehydration.
“I called to check in and noticed right away that he wasn’t himself,” Hilt said. “He was very confused and slurring his words, so I immediately hung up and called 9-1-1. After an ambulance ride and lot of tests, doctors determined that he was dehydrated.”
According to the National Council on Aging, older people are at a greater risk for dehydration, because they naturally have a lower volume of water in their bodies. Chronic medical conditions and some medications may also increase the risk.
Early symptoms of dehydration include:
- Dark-colored urine
- Urinating less frequently
- Fatigue or weakness
- Irritability
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Muscle cramps in arms or legs
- Dry mouth
- Confusion
So, how can you help your aging loved ones stay hydrated and healthy? Here are a few expert recommendations:
Choose foods with high water content. Water-rich foods include cucumbers, watermelon, lettuce, strawberries, tomatoes and celery. Soups, broths and stews are also a good way to boost fluid intake – especially in colder weather.
Always keep water nearby. Make sure your seniors keep a full glass of water next to their favorite chair, and encourage them to take a full water bottle when they venture out of the home.
Avoid or reduce alcohol intake. Because it’s a diuretic, limiting alcohol can help the body hang on to more water.
Change it up. Add slices of fresh lemon, apple, cucumber or berries to make water more flavorful.
Make water part of the routine. Encourage your aging loved ones to drink a glass of water when they wake up, after every meal and before and after exercise.
“If time or distance limits your ability to regularly check on your senior loved ones, our professional caregivers can help” said Austin Blilie, Chief Operating Officer at Trail Ridge Home Care’s parent organization, ABHM. “They will encourage them to keep up a healthy fluid intake, watch for red flags and take action, when necessary.”
For more information about Trail Ridge Home Care services and customized care plans, visit TrailRidgeHomeCare.com