How to Prevent, Detect, and Treat Dehydration in Seniors

As we age, our bodies undergo a variety of (let’s face it – not so great) changes, and one crucial aspect of senior health that often goes overlooked is hydration. Dehydration can have severe consequences – particularly for seniors – including an increased risk of falls, kidney problems, and cognitive impairment.

What’s more, staying hydrated is surprisingly difficult, especially for seniors with dementia. Fortunately, there are steps that seniors, their caregivers, and their healthcare professionals can take to help prevent, detect, and treat dehydration.

Understanding Dehydration in Seniors

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, leading to an imbalance of essential electrolytes and, consequently, compromised bodily functions. For seniors, several factors make them more vulnerable to dehydration, including:

Reduced Thirst Sensation: As humans age, our sense of thirst decreases. Seniors, therefore, may not often feel as parched as younger individuals, even if they are just as dehydrated. Some may not even recognize that they’re thirsty as all.

Medications: Many seniors take medications that can increase the risk of dehydration as a side effect, such as diuretics.

Chronic Illnesses: Conditions like diabetes and kidney disease can exacerbate dehydration risk.

Mobility Issues: Seniors with limited mobility may struggle to access fluids independently. Similarly, those with reduced fine motor function may find it challenging to hold and drink from glasses.

Weakened Kidneys: Aging can lead to reduced kidney function, making it harder for the body to conserve water.

Prevention is Key

Preventing dehydration in seniors is essential. Here are some strategies to keep older adults well-hydrated:

1. Encourage Regular Fluid Intake

Prevention is better than cure! It pays to put a plan in place to keep fluids up.

Set a Schedule

Establish regular times for drinking fluids, even if the senior in question doesn’t feel thirsty. Aim for at least eight glasses (64 ounces) of water a day – adjusted based on individual needs and activity levels.

Variety Matters

Offer up a variety of fluids, including water, herbal teas, and diluted fruit juices. Also, avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration.

Get Creative

If the senior is resistant to drinking water, look for alternative ways to keep them hydrated, like water rich foods and healthy ice pops. Giving them small glasses of water regularly can help as well. The small size can be less overwhelming for seniors who don’t want to drink water.

2. Monitor Medications

Medications can be a marvel, but they often have one or more drawbacks, and it’s essential to know and address those, one of which can be dehydration.

If your loved one is on medications with diuretic effects, discuss potential alternatives or adjustments with their healthcare provider. Even if they’re not, it’s worth talking to their doctor. The doctor may have ideas that can help.

3. Maintain a Hydration Diary

Tracking habits is key to progress. This is especially important for seniors with memory problems. Keeping track can also provide a sense of achievement.

Maintain a diary to record daily fluid intake, as this can help seniors and caregivers ensure they are meeting their hydration goals.

‘Dear Diary, today I drank eight glasses of water and I feel fantastic!’ While it needn’t be a diary in such involved terms, keeping track is the best way to ensure consistent hydration. Apps can be helpful here too and some are specifically designed for tracking hydration.

4. Nutrient-Rich Foods

Let food be thy medicine! It’s surprising just how much water we can take in through select food choices.

Encourage the consumption of foods that are high in water content, such as watermelon, oranges, cucumbers, celery, and soups. Soups are especially helpful, as they’re high in water and provide plenty of nutrients at the same time.

5. Address Mobility Issues

Seniors with mobility issues may find it difficult to drink water, even when they want to. The right tools can make this situation much easier.

Accessible Fluids

Ensure that fluids are easily accessible. Place water bottles or cups within easy reach, especially if mobility is an issue.

Assistive Devices

Consider using assistive devices, such as straws or adaptive cups, to make the physical task of drinking easier and more comfortable. Devices to help with movement are relevant as well, like tools to help seniors to stand up.

Detecting Dehydration

Detecting dehydration in seniors isn’t always the easiest of tasks, as they can present with mild-to-moderate variations of some symptoms due to other health and/or age-related issues; still, it’s essential to be vigilant. Look out for the following signs and symptoms:

• Dry mouth and dry skin: A dry, sticky mouth and parched skin are common tell-tale signs of dehydration

• Dark urine: Dark yellow or amber-colored urine may indicate dehydration and must be followed up

• Infrequent urination: A noticeable decrease in urination frequency can also be a sign of dehydration (oddly enough, so can frequent urination, but it’s less common)

• Fatigue and confusion: Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and confusion in seniors

• Sunken eyes: Deep-set or sunken eyes can be a useful visual indicator of dehydration

• Rapid heartbeat and low blood pressure: Dehydration can affect vital signs, causing a rapid heartbeat and low blood pressure

Treating Dehydration

Left untreated, dehydration can lead to severe health complications, so it’s imperative to address the issue as soon as it is detected (or suspected). Options include:

Offer Fluids

Encourage the senior to drink more; even just small sips of water regularly can start to make a difference, while clear broths, infused water (such as with fruit to make the taste more appealing) and oral rehydration solutions are effective go-to solutions

Avoid Sugary or Caffeinated Drinks

Drinks loaded with sugar and/or caffeine can exacerbate dehydration, so stick to water and electrolyte-rich beverages.

Seek Medical Help

If the senior is severely dehydrated, experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, and/or has underlying medical conditions that could complicate matters further, be sure to seek medical attention immediately.

Monitor Progress

Continue to monitor fluid intake and symptoms until the individual is adequately rehydrated, and then put a plan in place to make sure it stays that way – including ongoing monitoring if needs be. Digital monitoring applications are an option if the senior in question is comfortable using such technology.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Preventing, detecting, and treating dehydration in seniors is essential for their overall health and well-being. By being proactive in maintaining adequate fluid intake and recognizing the signs of dehydration, seniors and their caregivers can ensure that this common issue is avoided, as well as the more severe health complications it can lead to. Remember to always consult with a healthcare professional for guidance tailored to individual needs and circumstances.