“She’s dehydrated.”
The hospital nurse’s tone spoke volumes and her message was clear. The resident we sent to the hospital was suffering from dehydration on our watch, so obviously we gave terrible care. The judgement was in her voice, the look on her face and the stance of her body.
I wanted to punch her. Hey, I’m human, too.
She didn’t see the multiple times a day we encouraged fluids. The various attempts to hydrate.
Dehydration among the elderly is a huge problem, and it causes multiple problems in the body.
Why does it happen?
- Because of problems with incontinence, elders are reluctant to drink enough in case they can’t make it to the bathroom in time. This is especially true later in the day.
- Many people suffering from heart disease require diuretics to control excess fluid retention. This results in urinating more, which can result in incontinence. See above.
- Some elders don’t experience thirst, even in warm weather, like they did when they were younger.
- Memory issues can make it difficult to remember to drink.
- Illnesses such as vomiting or diarrhoea can cause dehydration quickly if a person is borderline, to begin with. Many elders live verging on dehydration.
- Some elders in the latter stage of several diseases have swallowing difficulties, which makes drinking difficult.
How do you know if your elder is dehydrated or verging on this state? Blood work will indicate immediately if someone is dehydrated, but certain signs are signposts to indicate a problem.
Signs of dehydration
- dark coloured urine is a sure indicator. If urine is concentrated, there isn’t enough fluid going in.
- infrequent urination
- dizziness or weakness
- low blood pressure
- sunken eyes, or skin, when pinched, that holds the shape of the pinch rather than plumping back
- increased confusion
- increased heart rate
Of course, the difficulty is that most of these symptoms could be indicators of any number of problems. But if you suspect, push fluids and see if the symptom disappears.
What problems does it cause?
- constipation
- urinary tract infections
- dizziness and weakness can lead to falls
- kidney stones
- increased confusion in people with dementia
How much is enough?
Seven cups of water a day is suggested for elders.
How do I do that?
It sounds daunting, doesn’t it? Here are a few tips:
- It doesn’t have to just be water. Some people detest water and refuse to drink it. Any fluid that is enjoyed (tea, coffee, juice, milk etc. counts toward your total fluid intake. Alcohol has a diuretic effect and should only be consumed on occasion, and soda should be limited (although this generation generally doesn’t enjoy soda.)
- Try adding flavouring to water, which can be bought at the grocery store in multiple flavours. Or make “fruity water” as pictured above with cucumber, mint, strawberries etc. It’s remarkably flavourful and refreshing.
- Any fluid counts. Soup, pudding, ice cream.
- Try offering fluids of choice on a regular basis, and toileting regularly if this is a concern.
- Go outside. There’s nothing like fresh air and sunshine to work up a thirst.
- Set the example. Have a drink together several times a day.
I have no scientific research to back this, just anecdotal. When I get used to being hydrated, I get thirsty more frequently. It feels as if my body enjoys the feeling of being well hydrated and sends out signals more quickly, telling me to drink.
As warmer weather approaches, keep hydration always on your radar.CLICK TO TWEET
Care Partner Wednesday–“But I Don’t Drink Water!”
Care Partner Wednesday–“But I Don’t Drink Water!”
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