If you’re the caregiver of a senior adult, helping your loved one maintain adequate hydration could help them avoid a host of health complications. Plus, it’s one of the easiest elements to add to your care routine.
So why is hydration very important for senior adults?
Seniors are at increased risk of dehydration and at increased risk for the serious health complications that come from being dehydrated.
Severe or untreated chronic dehydration can lead to several conditions that caregivers should be aware of, such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones or kidney failure; electrolyte problems that can lead to heart trouble or seizures; low blood volume (hypovolemic shock) that can be life-threatening; and heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
As a caregiver, there are ways that you can help your loved one maintain the hydration they need. In this Info Article from Dr. M. Sandra Scurria, MDVIP, you'll discover:
- Why seniors are more at risk of dehydration compared to younger adults
- How much an older adult should drink in a day
- Some common signs and symptoms of dehydration in seniors along with the more serious signs to be aware of
- Four easy tips to encourage seniors to consume more water
- And more!
This Info Article is one of many tools in our Caregiver Toolkit, to gain access to the full kit, visit here.