The danger of dehydration: what caregivers should know
risk of dehydration among the elderly

It’s astounding how many adults are chronically dehydrated.

Drinking enough water helps your body work better and helps you feel better. It helps your metabolism work better and improves your concentration.

Staying hydrated becomes more important as we age. Dehydration is one of the top 10 reasons for hospitalizations among the elderly!

If you’re taking care of a senior, be sure to encourage them to get enough fluids every day.

Boost your water consumption

It’s easy to have a glass of water on your desk at work or your table at home, ready to go whenever you’re feeling thirsty. You can also make it a habit to drink a glass of before each meal.

If you’re not a fan of the taste of regular water, you can drink decaffeinated teas or fruit infusions.

Some foods are packed with water: like juicy fruits and warm soups.

Infographics used with permission from Waterlogic.

Written by Allison Powell
I live off of food from Trader Joe's. I spend my life in a cubicle, a la Office Space. I'm kind of obsessed with the internet. Confession: I take care of people but don't identify as a caregiver.

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5 Comments

  1. Fact: once dehydrated, you can not drink your way out of dehydration. Must have Iv fluids. Dehydration is Life threatening for the elderly.

    Reply
  2. If your family member uses a walker consider a walker basket with a place for a drink. Make sure they always have a beverage of some kind with them. My mom always has a glass of ice tea in her walker basket.

    Reply
  3. This is great advise for everyone, not just the elderly.

    Reply
  4. This is great information but when the patient locks her lips and pulls away from you how do you make them drink? She was just hospitalized 2 weeks ago for this and constupation.

    Reply

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