Senior Caregiving Tip: The Dangers of Dehydration

Dehydration is one of the more subtle dangers faced by senior citizens and those who care for them. Unlike a sudden fall, dehydration can develop gradually over the course of hours, or even days. Early signs of dehydration can go unnoticed exacerbating the problem. This is particularly unfortunate considering that mild dehydration can be treated simple glass of water; whereas, sever dehydration is an emergency calling for intravenous fluids administered by a healthcare professional.

Causes

One of the primary reasons senior citizens are prone to dehydration is a decreased sense of thirst. As we age our bodies lose this important signaling ability that would otherwise self-regulate an individual's need for fluids. Additionally, many seniors experience decreased appetite further limiting the amount of liquids they consume.

Exacerbating the dehydration issue is the problem of urinary incontinence. Many older individuals ingest fewer fluids in the hopes that less in equals less out. They end up making themselves dangerously ill from dehydration trying to avoid the discomfort and embarrassment associated an inability to control bladder function.

Beyond these two common causes of dehydration in senior citizens, caregivers should be alert to instances of diarrhea, vomiting, fever and infection as all can contribute to a loss of bodily fluids. Also, if your loved one is exposed to excessive heat-like being caught without air conditioning on a hot summer's day-additional fluids will be required.

Symptoms

Since senior citizens often suffer from a medley of health conditions it can be easy to miss the symptoms of dehydration. Disorientation caused by dehydration may be attributed to dementia. Fatigue may be explained by an overexertion, a pharmaceutical side effect or just "old age". Dizziness can go unnoticed in a patient who sits in a wheelchair all day. But it is important to be aware that these are all signs of dehydration. Other symptoms include:

Increased thirst
Dry mouth
Fever
Weight loss
Headache
Dark, smelly urine
Reduced urine output
Heart palpitations
Low blood pressure
Lack of skin elasticity
Fainting

Prevention

When it comes to dehydration, an ounce of prevention worth a liter of cure. Dehydration is prevented by consuming an adequate amount of liquids. A caregiver, encourage your loved one to carry a bottle of water or other unsweetened beverage with them at all times, and remind them to take sips regularly. With each meal provide your loved one with at least eight ounces of fluids and ask them to finish as much as they can.

Unfortunately, drinking this much fluid can become tiresome, especially for someone experiencing a decreased thirst. To supplement the beverages provide liquid rich foods at meal time. Soup is a good choice as are fruits and vegetables, which can be up to 80% water. Desserts such as popsicles and Jell-O gelatin also contain a high water content making them a good source of hydration.

As mentioned previously, severe dehydration is a potentially fatal emergency. As caregiver you can keep your loved one safe by taking a few precautions. Keep senior citizens indoors on hot summer days, use a humidifier during the dry winter months, and remind them to drink, drink, drink.