Seniors and Hydration

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The Pineapple House at Sapphire Lakes

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Posted on

Jan 31, 2022

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Florida - Southwest

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As we head towards Summer, these months bring to mind family picnics, cool drinks on the porch, and lazy afternoons at the beach. But, as temperatures soar, warm weather activities can increase the risk for another staple of summer: dehydration. Not getting enough fluids, especially when it is hot outside, can pose serious health problems for anyone, but older adults are at particular risk for dehydration.
Why Seniors Are at Risk
There are a few reasons why older adults are more susceptible to fluid and electrolyte imbalances. With age, our body's ability to conserve water is reduced. This can make it more difficult to adapt to things like fluctuating temperatures. Additionally, the sense of thirst diminishes with age. By the time someone actually feels thirsty, essential fluids could already be extremely low. Certain medical conditions and medications can affect a seniors ability to retain fluids. Individuals with dementia may forget to eat and drink, and in more advanced stages may have difficulty swallowing. Drugs like diuretics, antihistamines, laxatives, antipsychotics and corticosteroids can cause frequent urination that depletes water and electrolytes. Furthermore, seniors who experience incontinence often purposely refuse or limit fluids in order to avoid accidents.
Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration
As a family caregiver, its important to be mindful of the signs and symptoms and to communicate with a doctor or health professional if you notice red flags that could indicate complications from fluid loss. Picking up on the more subtle, early signs that a senior needs to up their fluid intake is crucial. Keep in mind that thirst is not usually a helpful indicator, because a person who feels thirsty may already be dehydrated. Initial signs to look for include headache, constipation, muscle cramps, dry mouth and tongue, and sleepiness or lethargy. Urine color is another helpful indicator and should be clear or light yellow for someone who is properly hydrated. If severe dehydration goes unchecked, it can cause seizures due to electrolyte imbalance, a reduction in the volume of blood in the body (hypovolemic shock), kidney failure, heat injuries, and even coma or death.
Signs of Severe Dehydration

Little or no urination
Dark or amber-colored urine
Dry skin that stays folded when pinched
Irritability, dizziness, or confusion
Low blood pressure
Rapid breathing and heartbeat
Weak pulse
Cold hands and feet

Preventing Dehydration
For most of us, drinking plenty of fluids and eating foods with high water content is a great way to keep our bodies properly hydrated in warmer weather. Most adults need about 64 ounces of fluid every day, but that amount increases with heat and humidity and can change based on various medications and health conditions. A good rule of thumb is to try balancing fluid intake with output. If a senior is sweating or urinating more frequently, then their fluid intake should become more frequent as well. If a loved one is suffering from an illness that causes fever, diarrhea or vomiting, carefully monitoring fluid intake is crucial. Keep in mind that you can become dehydrated in cold weather, too!

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It gives you and family members peace of mind that there are medical professionals readily available if anything were to happen. Having a caregiver who is professionally trained will help residents to live a happier life. As much as family or friends want to help, they do not have the experience nurses do. Some facilities do not offer 24-hour nurses because they dont have enough staff or money in their budget. They will still have access to nurses but not 24/7 or sometimes only virtually, its up to you or your loved one which is preferred.It can be hard to accept if you or a loved one needs assisted living care but recognizing it and finding the best fit is worth the hardship. The sense of safety you can give yourself or a loved one will be extremely beneficial to both sides. Usually, families want to do everything they can and become their own versions of nurses. 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The purpose is to always have the opportunity for residents available regardless of time.During the day, a resident may be too tired to do anything but by nighttime, they feel better. This gives everyone the opportunity to socialize on their own time. Some residents are night owls, others early birds, both have the chance to do what they want and when. If you or a loved one are looking for a chance to improve your mental health, consider and participate in activities that are offered because there are bigger reasons behind them. For example, playing cards frequently can help improve your or a loved ones memory and cognition. Cards help with short-term memory as recalling a move quickly is important, as well as hand eye coordination. Reminder, social activities will always be important to a persons physical and mental health, regardless of age.Reason 3: Services and AmenitiesSomething you wouldnt be able to enjoy at home but can at a facility will likely become an incentive on why a senior living facility might be for you. For example, the adjustment of going from a home with not much to do unless you could drive there, to a facility with cool amenities like a beauty parlor and barber shop could be a fun change!The day-to-day places you had to go each day while living alone can be right down the hall instead. This saves gas money, car payments, expenses, or the risk of something happening to you or a loved one unsupervised. When looking for the right facility for you or your loved one, pay close attention to the amenities and the benefits of having them right there. When picking options, have them be desirable and beneficial to what you or your loved one want.Reason 4: DiningIndependence is easy to take for granted, having it taken away or fighting a loved one over it for their safety is difficult. With assisted living, loved ones are monitored constantly without being invasive, to allow the opportunity to still be independent. They can go on walks, take a yoga class, or participate in field trips all while having nurses assist at every event they choose to attend. If anything were to happen, they wouldnt be alone.Reason 5: Feel at HomeIf you or your loved one suffers from pain or difficulty getting around, assisted living can help relieve those struggles and provide comfort. Having professionals monitor medications or assist with hygiene activities will help you or a loved ones quality of life. Its not a secret as someone gets older, it is more of a risk for them to be alone or to be doing activities theyve always done. Being a resident of assisted living will help bring an extra level of safety to you or your loved one that families cannot bring. As safe and secure someone may feel with their own families, it is not always the solution especially if they have their own lives to live.Reason 6: SafetyWhen an elderly person is living alone, they usually have housework to upkeep or laundry to fold. But what if the washer and dryer are in the basement and its a hazard to walk down a steep flight of stairs. Not only does this pertain to safety but joining an assisted living facility can also allow for more free time. Not worrying about the laundry being folded, the dishes being clean or the mailbox being completely full.Pittsburgh is known as one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania according to Niche. It is rich in American history and known as the City of Bridges having 446 of them. There are 195 assisted living facilities in the Pittsburgh area, they offer different opportunities for levels of care and costs.Pittsburgh is a place where different age groups can find multiple activities to do. Being in assisted living wont stop you from still enjoying the city you live in if youre able. Look into the local arts and culture of Pittsburgh, like the Warhol Museum.When it comes to deciding when to go into assisted living, its important to plan. Coming to terms with accepting help or realizing you or your loved one needs a change in their environment requires some deep thinking. There is a lot going into a decision as big as this one: family, pets, current home, or if facility care is the right choice. Check out this planning guide for a mental and physical checklist to help you or your loved one feel better prepared.If you or your loved one do choose to become a resident at a senior living facility, the standard is to be well taken care of daily. There should be multiple employees in each department making sure residents are comfortable and being cared for. To benefit from the care you or your loved one receive, its important to also continue  to care for yourselves.In ConclusionResiding in a senior living facility opens a door of opportunity and benefits for you or a loved one. With a 24/7 activities schedule to keep you or your loved one engaged and social to the multiple amenities available. Gain the advantages senior living facilities offer while feeling comfortable and aging in place. Senior living is not only about becoming older, but also about finding a place which fits you or a loved ones needs best, all while offering opportunities that wouldnt be available at home. Having 24-hour nurses physically on property can make a world of difference with your or a loved ones health compared to being alone.Still feel connected to having independence by choosing to participate in activities and continue to stay active. Senior assisted living facilities can offer the opportunity of aging in place. The care you receive can adapt with you or your loved ones age, resulting in a happier and safer lifestyle. Its main purpose is to provide comfort and fulfillment to residents and their families in times of need.If youre interested in learning more about senior living facilities and what they can offer to you or a loved one, research! Call up potential facilities and schedule a tour to see it in person or a virtual visit.Take the information here and process all the opportunities senior assisted living can give to yourself or a loved one. It can transform a persons way of life as they begin to age and have limited abilities. There are more opportunities for residents with activities and amenities available every day, compared to if they werent residents at a facility. Socializing and moving your feet are key factors in staying healthy as everyone ages, cue the live music and midnight movies!