Many people do not realize that the physical changes associated with the aging process may leave those persons at a much higher risk of dehydration. Dehydration is an unfortunate occurrence among many in the elderly population, and many do not even know that they are at a health risk until complications start to occur. Some factors that contribute to dehydration may be due in part to medications that include diuretics or even some that do not. Diseases such as diabetes, or other factors like excessive sweating, diarrhea, or loss of blood can also greatly affect one's hydration status. Scientists have reported in studies that elderly patients are not able to feel the sensation of thirst as keenly as in younger years. And in some instances, some elderly people report to minimizing their intake of fluids for fear of incontinence or not making it to the bathroom in time.
It is inevitable that our bodies lose fluids as we age. However, it is important to watch for signs in our elderly family members and friends, as they may not be able to see the signs as readily as some of us. The caregivers at Mom’s Home Care are trained to look for the signs of dehydration and are trained on how to prevent dehydration. Some of the milder signs one might see at first can be general sleeplessness and irritability. Weakness and an overall feeling of being unwell without being able to pinpoint a specific symptom is another. Difficulty urinating or very dark yellow urine in small amounts is another telltale sign. Frequent cramping in the limbs and headaches are other signs of progression into a more severe form of dehydration. More progressive forms of dehydration will manifest as low blood pressure, a rapid and weak pulse pressure, and an increase in respiratory rate. These are much more serious and a trip to a health care professional may be in order to assess the patient's condition and determine if intravenous fluid therapy may be beneficial.
Hydrating properly in the elderly population has benefits that help them to move their bowels and bladders more efficiently, reduces the risk of coronary diseases, reduces the need for laxatives, and decreases the risk of falls with fainting spells often connected with low blood pressure associated with fluid loss.
Helping one to increase their fluid intake on a gradual basis and not strictly relying on thirst alone to hydrate is a good start. Sports drinks with small amounts of electrolytes are a good way to supplement hydration as well.
