Some seniors simply don't drink enough. Is your mom one of them? In a 2000 report compiled from information taken from 189 elderly patients of U.S. hospitals, researchers found 26 percent of them were dehydrated.
The problem is that the standard rule of 64 ounces of water per day doesn't always fit. Senior citizens naturally do not have as much water in their body as a child or younger adult due to aging. The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies recommends men take in 125 ounces of water each day and women take in 91 ounces. Most people get 20 percent of their water from the foods they eat, so account for that.
Tips for Increasing Hydration
Now that you know how much your mom should be drinking, here are tips to make sure she's staying hydrated.
#1 – Make Water More Appealing: If your mom doesn't like drinking plain water, make it more appealing without making it unhealthy. Add a slice of lemon or use frozen strawberries as ice cubes.
#2 – Stock Up on Water-Filled Foods: Watermelon, cantaloupe, and oranges all have high water contents. Watermelons, in particular have a water content of 93 percent according to “Marie Claire.”
#3 – Keep Seltzer on Hand: If your mom is a soda drinker, keep seltzer on hand. If she doesn't like the taste, mix it with some cranberry juice for non-alcoholic spritzers that benefit the urinary system.
#4 – Make Pitchers of Tea: Iced tea may be a drink that gets your mom to drink regularly. If caffeine is a concern, buy herbal tea instead. You can put cold water into a pitcher, throw in some tea bags, and let it steep in the fridge.
#5 – Buy a Blender: Fruit smoothies are great on a hot summer's day. Not only is your mom going to benefit from the water found in the fruit you use, but she's also going to get the nutrients from the fruit. Berries, mango, and pineapple are all great choices for smoothies.
Track Her Fluid Intake
Keep track of how often your mom's drinking and what she prefers. This will help you plan what to keep in stock. A home care service is a great partner in this endeavor. A caregiver helps make sure your mom is drinking water or another drink at appropriate intervals.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15575188
http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?recordid=10925&_ga=2.78055197.868675795.1500474067-382116238.1500474067
http://www.marieclaire.com/health-fitness/advice/a5107/water-rich-foods-to-beat-bloat/
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring home health care in Gibsonia, PA, please call the caring staff at Home Helpers. Call today (412) 385-4286.