Did you know that 60% of our body is made up of water (Source: United States Geological Survey)? Getting enough water is key to our health.
Water is essential for virtually all life-sustaining body functions. It plays a vital role in many of these, including bringing nutrients to cells, eliminating waste, and maintaining healthy body temperature.
Home health care aides can help ensure clients stay correctly hydrated.
How Much Water?
The amount of water a person should drink varies from individual to individual. People should generally aim to drink 8-10 cups of water daily (Source: Mayo Clinic).
Older adults may need to maintain an even higher water intake. The National Academy of Medicine suggests 13 and 9 cups for males and females aged 51 and older, respectively.
Signs of Dehydration in the Elderly
Dehydration happens when the body uses more fluid than it is taking in. Elderly people, in particular, are more likely to become dehydrated because they often have a diminished sense of thirst (Source: National Institutes of Health).
When the body loses too much water, the body no longer functions as it should, leading to dangerous complications. In severe cases, dehydration can cause brain swelling, confusion, kidney failure, coma, and even death.
Not drinking enough water is just one cause of dehydration. However, there can be several causes, including:
· Diarrhea
· Vomiting
· Sweating too much
· Fever
· Frequent urination.
Home health care aides who care for older people must know the signs of dehydration. This awareness is even more crucial during summer due to increased sweating. Symptoms of dehydration to look out for include:
· Thirst
· Dry mouth, lips, and tongue
· Dark yellow or strong-smelling urine
· Headache
· Dizziness
· Muscle cramps
· Fatigue
· Sleeplessness
· Irritability
· Constipation.
Emergency symptoms of dehydration can be serious and potentially life-threatening. These symptoms demand immediate hospitalization and include:
· Rapid but faint heart rate
· Rapid breathing
· Low blood pressure
· Inability to sweat
· Inability to stand
· Confusion
· Bloated stomach
· Seizures
· Fever of 103 degrees Fahrenheit
· Fainting.
How Home Health Care Aides Keep Clients Hydrated
Dehydration is dangerous regardless of age but especially hazardous for older people. Fortunately, caregivers can ensure clients stay hydrated by following these tips:
Provide Fluids
Caregivers can encourage clients to drink water often and regularly and ensure they always have water around them. They can do this through simple steps like by preparing a refillable water bottle and placing it beside their bed or favorite chair.
If clients do not like the taste of plain water, home health care aides can add bits of fruit. Berries, lemons, cucumbers, mint, and pineapple can make tasty additions to water.
Stay Clear of Drinks that Can Worsen Dehydration
Coffee is known to speed up the dehydration process by increasing urine production. Alcohol, as well, can cause dehydration by contributing to a rise in urine production and loss of electrolytes, which balance the amount of water in the body. Similarly, sodas’ high sodium and sugar levels can also contribute to dehydration.
Drinking water is the most basic, simplest, and purest way to stay hydrated. Caregivers must ensure clients receive most of their fluids from this source.
Consider Breathable Materials
Certain fabrics, like cotton, linen, and bamboo, allow the body to sweat and breathe naturally.
Other fabrics can actually trap sweat against the skin, possibly contributing to dehydration. These heat-trapping fabrics include polyester rayon and denim, which is commonly found in jeans.
Slice Up Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables offer excellent sources of water. The high volume of water they contain helps keep clients hydrated throughout the day.
Cucumbers, celery, broccoli, lettuce, and tomatoes are among the most water-rich vegetables. Water-based fruit choices include cantaloupe, strawberries, oranges, grapefruit, and peaches.
Be Mindful of Medications
Certain medications, like drugs used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure (diuretics), can cause elderly clients to become dehydrated more quickly than usual. These medications encourage elderly clients to urinate out excess water. With less fluid in their veins, clients can experience dehydration.
For this reason, caregivers want to stay mindful of the medications their clients are taking. This way, caregivers know precisely when to increase their client’s fluid intake. Good hydration is linked to healthy aging, and drinking enough water each day is even more critical as we age.
In Closing
The body uses and loses water through basic body functions (e.g., breathing, sweating, and digestion), so it is critical for home health care aides to rehydrate elderly client with fluids and water-rich foods. Following these recommendations, caregivers can guarantee suitable water intake to keep their clients hydrated, happy, and healthy.