The Importance of Staying Hydrated
Email US
Click to Email Us
Warmer weather is a great invitation to enjoy the outdoors and nature.
Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining health and keeping critical bodily functions working properly. Hydration can be a challenge for some seniors because seniors may have a diminished ability to sense thirst, notice changes in body temperature, and may be taking medications that have a dehydrating effect. Keeping a few tips in mind will ensure that seniors stay hydrated and continue to enjoy the activities that bring them joy.
Older adults looking to stay hydrated throughout the day should try these tips to get started. Being dehydrated can cause confusion, headaches, elevated heart rate, muscle weakness, and fatigue. Seniors who think they may be dehydrated should discuss their symptoms with their doctor before changing their fluid intake. Seniors should discuss hydration with their doctor as only can a healthcare professional recommend how much water someone needs, and they can also provide guidance and tips on managing water intake.
- Create a schedule – drinking a lot of water in one sitting can be difficult. However, creating a schedule that accounts for daily activity, physician-recommended intake levels, and the preferences of the senior can help keep hydration on track.
- Eat water-rich foods – cucumbers, watermelon, apples, and other water-rich produce can help seniors get more fluids at mealtimes. Broth is also a good option.
- Make water more interesting – For those that don’t enjoy drinking water, adding small amounts of juice or flavoring to water can make it less boring. Popsicles are also a great option…especially on warm days!
- Reduce water loss – excessive sweating can contribute to dehydration – keeping inside temperatures at a reasonable level, and being mindful of fluid loss during outside activities, can help seniors stay hydrated.
- Don’t wait for thirst – often, when seniors feel thirsty; they may already be dehydrated.
Comfort Keepers® Can Help
Comfort Keepers can provide support for seniors that are concerned about the issue of hydration. Our caregivers can provide transportation to healthcare appointments, assist with meal preparation and planning, and provide support for physician-prescribed hydration regimens. Our goal is to support physical and emotional care goals and to elevate the spirits of our clients and their families every day.
To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Get the Facts: Drinking Water and Intake.” Web. 2016.
FamilyDoctor.org. “Hydration: Why It’s So Important.” Web. 2017.
Mayo Clinic. “Dehydration.” Web. 2018.
WebMD. “What is Dehydration? What Causes It?” Web. 2019
Healthline – The Causes and Symptoms of Dehydration in Older Adults
- To view the original version of this article visit www.comfortkeepers.com/articles/info-center/seniors-and-nutrition/the-importance-of-staying-hydrated/?mkt_tok=MjgyLUtGUC01NTAAAAGLpScQP5VHXQzKJUT9oWaSBE7ReT99sQ-KAvr2CVvwyt0wsvvabkkYLOxaBZgU6wR6EOT-udpLpyBrdnp3bKzcl5cG6zowb1eJLWw7OkecW1yrgKXx2ww3y
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
Other Articles You May Like
Holiday Visits: Prepare the Home, Protect Your Peace
A warm welcome doesn't require a perfect house. Whether family is coming for an afternoon or staying a few nights, a little planning now can make holiday gatherings more comfortable for everyone.1. Have the conversation earlyConfirm dates, overnight arrangements, food preferences, and any mobility needs. Let guests know what works for you, including visit length and quiet time.2. Create a comfortable place to landFresh linens, a clear bedside surface, and an easy-to-reach lamp can make a guest space feel welcoming. No guest room? Agree on sleeping arrangements ahead of time.3. Make movement easierClear hallways and stairs, secure or remove loose rugs, and check lighting between sleeping areas and bathrooms. Keep frequently used items within comfortable reach.4. Put safety before tidinessStore medications securely, especially when children are visiting. Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms according to the manufacturer's instructions, and keep exits clear.5. Share the hostingInvite family to bring a dish, help with cleanup, or organize an activity. Keep meals simple and make room for breaks. Being together matters more than doing everything yourself.6. Make space for connectionSet out a few family photos, plan a favorite game, or ask guests to share a memory. Often, the simplest traditions are the ones everyone remembers.
A New Chapter Deserves a Thoughtful Beginning.
A New Chapter Deserves a Thoughtful Beginning.Choosing a senior living community is an important life decision. But what happens between making that decision and feeling truly settled?At Silk Road Connection, we work directly for you and your family, providing personalized planning, professional coordination, and oversight of the many details involved in transitioning to senior living.Our goal is simple: Less stress for families. More time to enjoy what comes next.Founder-Directed Team DeliveredSchedule a complimentary consultation. [email protected] silkroadconnection.org
Local Services By This Author
Comfort Keepers
Home Health , Port Charlotte, Florida, 33948Comfort Keepers is a trusted provider of in-home care for seniors and adults in Lee County and surrounding southwest Florida communities. Their mission is to elevate the human spirit by helping older adults stay safe, comfortable, and independent in their own homes.Key Features & ServicesInteractive Caregiving Philosophy: Caregivers build genuine connections while providing companionship, personal assistance, and emotional support tailored to each individual's preferences and routines.Wide Range of Support Services: Services include companionship and personal care such as bathing, grooming, dressing, light housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, errands, Alzheimers and dementia care, respite, livein care, and medication reminders.Highly Trained and Screened Caregivers: All team members undergo extensive background checks, ongoing training, and are fully bonded and insured for clients peace of mind.Flexible and Tailored Care Plans: Individualized care plans adapt over time to meet changing family or daily living needs, with support ranging from hourly visits to 24-hour care if needed.Holistic Focus on Well-Being: Comfort Keepers emphasizes physical, emotional, mental, and social wellness by empowering seniors to remain active, engaged, and connected.Community & ReachBased in Fort Myers, the office serves communities throughout Lee and Collier counties, including Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Sanibel, and Marco Island. Comfort Keepers operates nationwide through more than 700 independently owned and operated offices across 12 countries, ensuring local service with global expertise.Why Choose Comfort KeepersTrusted local reputation: Recognized as a top-rated in-home care provider.Emphasis on dignity and independence: Care empowers seniors to live life on their terms, with attentive support in the privacy of home.Compassionate community connections: Families value the respectful, uplifting relationships that caregivers build with clients and loved ones.Comprehensive services with peace of mind: From short visits to livein support, including specialized dementia care, Comfort Keepers offers flexibility and continuity of care.
Comfort Keepers
Non-Medical , Port Charlotte, Florida, 33948Comfort Keepers is a trusted provider of in-home care for seniors and adults in Lee County and surrounding southwest Florida communities. Their mission is to elevate the human spirit by helping older adults stay safe, comfortable, and independent in their own homes.Key Features & ServicesInteractive Caregiving Philosophy: Caregivers build genuine connections while providing companionship, personal assistance, and emotional support tailored to each individual's preferences and routines.Wide Range of Support Services: Services include companionship and personal care such as bathing, grooming, dressing, light housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, errands, Alzheimers and dementia care, respite, livein care, and medication reminders.Highly Trained and Screened Caregivers: All team members undergo extensive background checks, ongoing training, and are fully bonded and insured for clients peace of mind.Flexible and Tailored Care Plans: Individualized care plans adapt over time to meet changing family or daily living needs, with support ranging from hourly visits to 24-hour care if needed.Holistic Focus on Well-Being: Comfort Keepers emphasizes physical, emotional, mental, and social wellness by empowering seniors to remain active, engaged, and connected.Community & ReachBased in Fort Myers, the office serves communities throughout Lee and Collier counties, including Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Sanibel, and Marco Island. Comfort Keepers operates nationwide through more than 700 independently owned and operated offices across 12 countries, ensuring local service with global expertise.Why Choose Comfort KeepersTrusted local reputation: Recognized as a top-rated in-home care provider.Emphasis on dignity and independence: Care empowers seniors to live life on their terms, with attentive support in the privacy of home.Compassionate community connections: Families value the respectful, uplifting relationships that caregivers build with clients and loved ones.Comprehensive services with peace of mind: From short visits to livein support, including specialized dementia care, Comfort Keepers offers flexibility and continuity of care.