Miriam was worried. Her usually lucid mother didn’t remember the name of her favorite granddaughter. When Miriam suggested a stroll in the sun, her mother complained of dizziness. A urinalysis test revealed the culprit. Her elderly mother was dehydrated.

Miriam’s mother is prone to dehydration, as are all seniors, since the body’s ability to preserve water decreases with age.

Left untreated, dehydration may lead to serious complications. Typical consequences are seizures, urinary and kidney problems, heat injury, or life-threatening low blood volume (hypovolemic shock).

If Miriam had been aware of the following points, she might have been able to keep her mother out of the Emergency Room.

• Thirst levels in elderly people are not a reliable gauge of hydration. The golden years bring with them a diminished sense of thirst. So thirsty or not, regular drinking is a must.
• For seniors who have trouble swallowing: Drink thickeners may make liquids safe. One’s occupational therapist and nutritionist should be consulted for individual guidance. Additionally, fruits are an excellent source of H2O. Pack melons, grapes, cucumbers, peaches and citrus fruits into the diet.
• Seniors with decreased mobility can’t easily serve themselves drinks. If your loved one has difficulty walking, put a water bottle or pitcher near him or her every day and refill it often.
• Seniors with shaky hands might imbibe less to avoid spills. Try serving them straight from small bottles with straws to avoid the need to pour or raise a glass. One-way suction straws that allow the liquid to come up but not fall down are recommended for those with suction difficulties.
• Check the daily pills! Some medications act as diuretics, depleting the body’s fluids.
• Patients with dementia need extra monitoring, since they will usually forget to drink. It’s wise to track your loved one’s intake with a daily “fluid log”.
• Be vigilant during illnesses, even minor ones. Fever, flu, bronchitis, bladder infections, diarrhea and vomiting deplete the body’s water supplies, so drink double! If a sore throat or cold is accompanied by a diminished appetite, pay extra attention to liquid intake.
• Be aware that uncontrolled or untreated diabetes or kidney problems are high risk factors.
• Drink more if you are walking or exercising outdoors, especially on a hot and humid day. When temperatures are high, it’s best to stay indoors with air conditioning. If this isn’t possible, drink before, after, and during the excursion. Try to take a sip every 15-20 minutes.

How much liquid is needed daily?

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids for men and about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) a day for women. Not all of this needs to come from drinking. Most people will ingest a lot of liquid with their food. The Mayo Clinic believes that 8 glasses a day is a reasonable goal. Actual need will vary according to medical condition and other individual factors. Your doctor should be consulted.

Do you suspect dehydration? Common Symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Extreme thirst
• Less frequent urination
• Dark colored urine
• Low blood pressure especially when rising from a prone position
• A faster than normal heart rate
• Reduced blood flow to the extremities

If you or your loved one exhibit any of these symptoms, increase liquid intake and consult a doctor immediately.

To keep dehydration at bay, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  At the New Franklin Center for Rehabilitation Nursing, each of our resident’s nutritional needs is a priority. Our devoted staff ensures that patients are receiving adequate amount of liquids.  At the New Franklin Center, your loved one will be well cared for, and you can relax knowing that sufficient hydration is being maintained.