Dehydration occurs when you don’t have the needed amount of fluid in the body. This can happen when you don’t drink enough water or any type of liquid. It can also happen when you lose too much fluid because of excessive sweat, fever, diarrhea, or nausea.
In short, dehydration can happen to anyone. However, older adults are more prone to dehydration than any other age group—and it’s a condition that can be particularly dangerous for those over 65. If you have a loved one who lives on their own, struggles to stay hydrated could be a sign that it’s time to consider senior care.
Let’s take a look at why dehydration in seniors is so important and what you can do to ensure your loved one stays healthy and happy in the warmer months.
Why Seniors Are More Susceptible to Dehydration
As people age, they naturally lose their thirst sensation. This means their neurons don’t trigger thirst as they should. Because of this, they often don’t hydrate as needed, and their bodies don’t have the appropriate amount of fluid for their age and condition.
Certain medications also have an impact on dehydration. Older adults experiencing memory loss may even forget to drink water regularly.
That’s why they may need daily hydration reminders to remain healthy.
Keeping track of hydration is even more important during the heat of the summer months when everybody is at risk of becoming dehydrated.
Checking in on Your Loved Ones During the Summer
To be clear, dehydration can happen at any time of the year. However, with significantly higher temperatures during the summer, we sweat more and lose more fluid. An hour or two under the heat of the sun could result in dehydration if we don’t supplement our bodies with water and other types of healthy liquids.
Because some seniors may have a decreased thirst sensation, it is vital for loved ones and caretakers to check in on them.
How Much Water Should a Senior Drink?
Older adults have different fluid intake requirements. They need between six and eight glasses or 1.7 liters of water each day. They must also drink a full glass of water while taking their medication.
What Are the Signs of Dehydration in Seniors?
Aside from ensuring that they get the right amount of fluid, it is also important to check for possible symptoms of dehydration:
- Confusion
- Dry mouth
- Dry skin
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Less sweat and urine
- Rapid breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sunken eyes
- Muscle cramps
- Dark urine
- Fatigue/tiredness
When to Seek Assistance Caring for Older Loved Ones
Unfortunately, we cannot be around all the time to watch over our elderly family members. Even if we visit them regularly or call them every day, we cannot provide all of the care and assistance they may need.
Fortunately, senior care services are readily available to ensure our loved ones remain happy and healthy. Dehydration is just one of the many conditions that senior care experts can easily monitor.
How to Find Assistance for Your Elderly Relative
It may feel overwhelming to get your loved one the appropriate care they need to manage their medications, prevent dehydration, and get care for other conditions they may be vulnerable to. After all, there are hundreds of options in Kansas alone. However, you can rest assured that they will be very well taken care of when you seek professional advice from dedicated resources like Senior Care Consulting.
Senior Care Consulting provides placement services so your elderly loved one will receive the best care. We can help you determine the best type of living situation for your loved one and recommend the best communities, including:
Get the Help You Need with Senior Care Consulting
If you don’t know which type of care your senior relative needs, Senior Care Consulting can help. We provide you with options and recommendations so you can place your elderly family in the most appropriate facility. We’re here to shield you from marketing and sales tactics and wasted time on facilities that aren’t a great fit. Using our wealth of knowledge and training, we can find the ideal housing for your relative’s needs and budget.
Contact Us Today for Senior Care Placement Services in Kansas
Finding the right care for your loved one is difficult, but you don’t have to face it alone. For personalized recommendations and objective guidance throughout the search and selection process, trust the team at Senior Care Consulting. Call (913) 349-6290 or contact us online to find the ideal community for your family member.