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Author: Home Helpers Home Care

Seniors are especially vulnerable to dehydration and the complications that can result. When seniors spend a lot of time alone, they’re more likely to have trouble getting enough of the fluids they need every day. They may also feel as if they have to restrict fluids to deal with issues like incontinence, even though that’s not an effective solution. 24-hour home care providers can help seniors to get the help they need with hydration while also getting help with other issues they’re facing around the clock.

Signs Seniors Are Dehydrated

Sometimes seniors don’t realize they’re dehydrated because the sense of thirst becomes less accurate. Seniors may also be eating less, which brings in even less water to their bodies. Some of the signs of dehydration might include a headache, dizziness, or lack of coordination. Seniors might also have a dry mouth or muscle cramps because they’ve lost electrolytes. They may not urinate as much as they should and experience fatigue or weakness.

Mix Up the Hydration Options

Sometimes drinking regular, plain water is what seniors need most but it’s the least appealing option. To get around that, home care providers can help aging adults find other options that are both more appealing and also hydrating. Herbal tea, milk, or fruit that’s been infused with berries or lemon slices can help. Sometimes seniors need to experiment with water temperature or even the glasses and containers they drink from during the day. Finding the right combination can help seniors seek out hydrating fluids more often.

Avoid Dehydrating Variables

There are some drinks that might do more harm than good if seniors are dehydrated. Too much coffee or caffeinated tea can be a problem because of the caffeine. Alcohol can also cause fluid loss, which means that it’s better to avoid too much of it. Spending too much time out in the sun without a beverage or exercising without hydrating can also make it tough for seniors to stay hydrated.

Get Consistent, Especially with Help

Proper hydration relies on seniors staying consistent with their choices. 24-hour home care providers can help with this because they’re there with seniors during the day and at night. They can help seniors remember to sip water throughout the day and also make sure that they’re taking medications with plenty of fluids. If seniors are avoiding water and other fluids because they’re worried about incontinence, 24-hour home care providers can help them to get to the bathroom on time and to have other help on hand to manage the situation.

Talk to Medical Providers

If increasing hydration gradually at home is not helping seniors with dehydration as much as they’d hoped, there might be more going on. Seniors should talk with their doctors about how their health issues might affect their hydration needs so that they can focus on getting the right amount of fluids for them.

With the right information and some small tweaks, 24-hour home care providers can help aging adults to avoid dehydration. This helps seniors stay comfortable and healthy while they age in place.

If you or an aging loved one are considering 24-hour home care in Santa Clara, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers today (408) 317-4969.