Reduce the Risk of Dehydration of Your Elderly Loved One This Summer in Edmonton, AB

Uncategorized  |  June 30, 2018

Compared to younger people, older family members and friends have a higher risk of dehydration and they’re more susceptible to electrolyte and fluid imbalances. This is often a result of prescribed medications that may cause a diminished sense of thirst. You can keep your loved ones better hydrated by increasing their liquid intake through warmer months when it’s that much easier to succumb to dehydration. Consider carefully the following:

Dehydration Symptoms

When you can recognize the symptoms of dehydration, you’re more likely to notice and take action before a dehydration problem becomes severe. When there is a problem, you must get help in a timely manner. This following list of symptoms may be the only indicators of dehydration you will see, so call 911 or a healthcare provider to get immediate assistance if these symptoms are present:

• Muscles cramping

• Skin dryness

• Dizziness

• Sudden sleepiness

• Urine is dark in color

Keep Hydrated

Encourage your family and friends to stay hydrated with plenty of fluids. Since our bodies are made up of at least 60% water we must drink plenty of liquid daily and especially on warmer days. Some people don’t want to drink water because of its lack of taste, but you can offer flavored waters instead, or just add fruit to your pitcher of drinking water at home. Keep in mind that broths, such as beef, chicken, or vegetable, are good, but once again, it will depend on personal preference. Yet another option is adding portions of hydrating fruits and vegetables into daily meals.

Hydrating Fruits & Vegetables

Hydrating fruits and vegetables may be the perfect choice in warm weather for seniors because they contain as much as 80% water. The following info is a list of the best hydrating fruits and veggies:

• Cucumbers

• Bell peppers

• Tomatoes

• Grapes

• Apples

• Blueberries

• Watermelon

• Cantaloupe

• Oranges

Of course, sometimes we cannot be there for older loved ones around the clock, but Comfort Keepers® is available to assist when you’re not there. We understand hydration needs, too, in warmer months, or any time of year. Our caregivers, called Comfort Keepers®, are able to help with your aging family members or friends in your absence and our Comfort Keepers® are trained to encourage hydration by regularly offering water, fruit-infused water or other tasty liquids, as well as hydrating foods.

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