Elder Care in Flushing, NY – Drinking Enough Water to Avoid Dehydration is an Important Focus for the Caregiver
One of the few things not many people talk about when it comes to elderly care is dehydration. Dehydration can be a very serious and often overlooked condition for anyone, of any age. For older individuals, they can become dehydrated much quicker and more easily than somebody younger.
That’s because of the way their body stores water and even the prescription medications they are taking. Many prescription medications actually cause the body to absorb more water than normal.
When a person becomes dehydrated, their organs and other bodily functions don’t work as they should. This can cause some potentially serious health problems.
Below are a few signs that the elderly care provider should look for in the patient for whom they care.
1. Muscle cramping.
When you get dehydrated, your muscles don’t function properly. Cramping in various muscles is a key sign that an individual might not be getting the optimal amount of water every day. The average individual should be drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water every single day. Drinking coffee, soda, and especially alcohol can actually have the reverse effect and draw moisture out of the body.
If you notice the elderly individual is experiencing cramping in their legs, pay attention to how much water they’re drinking on a regular basis.
2. Headaches.
When the body doesn’t get enough water, the brain isn’t getting enough fluid and that can lead to headaches. Of course, headaches can be caused by a number of other reasons besides dehydration, but when you notice an increase in headaches, pay attention to how much water the patient is drinking on a regular basis.
3. Dry mouth.
One of the most obvious signs that somebody is not getting enough water in their diet on a regular basis is they will have dry lips, a dry tongue, and an overall dry feeling in their mouth. This could especially be associated with certain prescription medications, but if you notice them complaining about chapped lips or dry mouth, encourage them to drink more water.
The challenges of getting enough water every day.
Some people may have a tendency to drink more coffee or other beverages throughout the day for taste and enjoyment. However, if they don’t get enough water, it can have an adverse effect on their overall health. As an elderly care provider, you should encourage the patient to drink more water. Set the example and you should begin to see positive results. Also explain some of these common symptoms so they notice what they’re feeling could be directly associated with not drinking enough water throughout the day.