Six Signs Seniors Aren’t Drinking Enough Water

Normal changes related to growing older, as well as health conditions, can easily leave seniors dehydrated. Pair that with a reduced sense of thirst, and it might be possible that seniors aren’t drinking nearly enough water to support their needs. Senior home care providers can offer aging adults support with hydration, but it’s important that both aging adults and family caregivers know the signs that indicate seniors are seriously in need of more water.

Fatigue

Fatigue, which is more than just feeling tired, is a relatively mild symptom of dehydration. It can also be caused by a variety of other health issues, so fatigue on its own might not make seniors think to sip some water. If seniors find that they’re feeling overly tired often, they might want to consciously remember to increase their water intake a bit. Home care providers can help with gentle reminders.

Unexplained Headaches

Like fatigue, headaches can have more than a few different causes. If the cause of unexplained headaches is dehydration, though, sipping some water can help to alleviate the pain. Headaches that are becoming more common could be related to other health issues, so if seniors are having more frequent headaches need to mention them to their doctors.

Dry Mouth

When seniors aren’t drinking enough water, they’re going to see signs everywhere in their bodies. Even though they might not feel thirsty, they might start to notice that their mouths feel dry. Their lips might feel dry or chapped, as well. Sipping water to address the dehydration and keeping their lips moist with a lip balm can help to alleviate discomfort.

Confusion or Disorientation

A more severe symptom that seniors aren’t drinking enough fluids could involve becoming confused or disoriented. The brain needs a lot of water to keep functioning well. When it doesn’t get that water, or other nutrients it needs, seniors may notice they’re feeling more brain fog than usual or it’s more difficult to think.

Nausea or Vomiting

As dehydration gets more severe, seniors might feel nauseated or even as if they’re going to throw up. If there are other possible causes for nausea or vomiting, like food poisoning, seniors may need to talk with their doctors. Taking care of underlying causes as quickly as possible ensures that severe dehydration is less likely. Senior home care providers help with meal preparation and food safety, reducing the risk of issues like food poisoning.

Dizziness or Fainting

Some seniors might be prone to dizziness or fainting when they’re not getting enough water. If this is a problem for seniors, they need to establish routines that help them to avoid dehydration. Senior home care providers can help seniors to stay on target with their hydration goals, offering them water to sip frequently throughout the day and helping them get fluids through hydrating foods as well.

Dehydration is a serious problem for aging adults. Understanding the signs that indicate seniors need more water can help families to make plans that improve hydration and keep seniors aging in place safely. Senior home care providers can offer hands-on support that makes a huge difference in meeting these goals.

If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Cupertino, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers today (408) 317-4969.