Staying Hydrated in the Summer
The temperatures are heating up in Northern Virginia. Is your loved one prepared? Here are some helpful tips and tricks to help stay cool and hydrated this summer:
Use Measurable Containers
If an elder is unable to track fluid consumption, it can be tricky to monitor. Having support with caregiver services, monitoring within the community, or having frequent visitors can make a big difference. Water bottles and pitchers are a great way to track how much water is being consumed each day. Some water bottles might have lines or motivational reminders to show how many fluid ounces one has drank so far. It may also be helpful to track how many water bottles one goes through per day/week.
Visual Reminders
Place reminder signs on the refrigerator, calendar, by medication to DRINK MORE WATER! Also keeping fluids visible can be helpful as well. For example, placing a cup of water within reach of the elder will increase the likelihood of them drinking it.
Verbal Reminders
When visiting or calling an elder, add hydration to the conversation. Perhaps ask if they’ve had water recently or say “Let’s have something to drink.” Having a glass of water together in-person or FaceTime is a way to show that you care. It is also a great way to see if there is water nearby or how accessible it is.
Notice Signs of Dehydration
Headaches
Dry Mouth
Cramping
Increased confusion/Delirium
Darker-colored urine
Dry Skin
Keep track of Medications
Some medications, such as diuretics, can increase the likelihood of dehydration or thirst. It is important to keep track of this year-round, including during the summer time when the weather is hot and loss of fluids from sweat is more likely to occur.
Make it Tasty
Find drinks that look and taste appealing. For example, adding half cranberry juice to water can give added color and flavor which may make it more desirable. There are also various water enhancers such as crystal light, Stur, Liquid I.V., Gatorade, squeezing/infusing lemon or other fruit into water. A little flavor goes a long way!
Make it Easy
For some elders holding glass might be difficult. Spooning fluids, using a straw or using smaller, lighter cups at a time may be helpful. There are also many foods that can be hydrating such as watermelon, smoothies, cucumbers, broths/soups, yogurts or puddings, citrus fruits, berries, cruciferous vegetables.
If your loved one is in a Retirement Community, Assisted Living or a Nursing Home ask the staff what their plan is to ensure that the elder is staying hydrated and is offered fluids throughout the day, every day. Observing the menu and noticing if there are bistro areas with accessible water, water carts or pitchers of water around is a great place to start.
For more ways to help your loved one stay hydrated contact Eldertree Care Management Services. Perhaps all of us should grab a glass of water!
—Deanna Rocco, CDP
Associate Care Manager
