People of all ages are at risk for dehydration, but seniors have to be especially careful to consume enough water. Seniors tend to be less thirsty than younger adults, which puts them at greater risk for dehydration. Here are a few signs of dehydration in seniors caregivers should watch out for.
Dry Mouth
A dry, sticky mouth is perhaps the most common sign of dehydration, and your senior loved one will probably notice if his or her mouth starts to feel too dry. Make sure your loved one can access water at all times and drinks water at regular intervals throughout the day to maintain healthy hydration levels.
Dehydration is one of several health issues seniors could face, many of which increase the need for professional in-home care. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of in-home care. You can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
Decreased Urine Output
When seniors become dehydrated, they may not be able to urinate at all, or their urine will have a noticeably dark colour. When a person is properly hydrated, the renal system works more effectively. Drinking the right amount of water is one of the best ways for seniors to stay healthy and pass an adequate volume of urine. To find out how much water your loved one needs to drink per day, divide his or her body weight by 3. This is the number of ounces of water your parent should drink on a daily basis.
Dizziness & Headaches
Water is required for the body to function properly. When seniors are dehydrated, the internal processes that regulate body functions start to malfunction, leading to dizziness, headaches, and confusion. If the dehydration is severe, your loved one may even lose consciousness. These symptoms are likely to manifest when your loved one is active or exposed to hot temperatures. When your loved one goes outside or exercises, he or she should always bring a bottle of water.
Hiring professional caregivers can be beneficial for seniors and their family members. Caregivers can watch out for signs of dehydration, ensure seniors maintain healthy hydration levels, and offer assistance with daily tasks. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Edmonton, AB, Home Care Assistance can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home.
Muscle Cramps
Dehydrated seniors sometimes experience moderate to severe muscle cramps. To keep the muscles healthy, it’s important to maintain an appropriate fluid balance in the body. When seniors don’t drink enough water, their fluid and electrolyte levels go down, leading to painful cramps. If your loved one is experiencing frequent muscle cramps, they may be caused by dehydration. While drinking the appropriate amount of water may solve the issue over time, an ice pack may provide immediate relief.
Dry Skin
When seniors become dehydrated, they may stop perspiring and develop dry skin. This is because water is essential for skin health, and dehydration can cause the skin to become thin and brittle. When dehydrated skin is gently pinched, it doesn’t spring back into place quickly. If you notice changes in your loved one’s skin or perspiration patterns, make sure he or she drinks more fluids.
Aging adults can stave off dehydration and several other health conditions by making healthy lifestyle choices. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Edmonton, AB, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. If you need professional home care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (780) 490-7337.