[sized_image size=”295-150″ image=”http://comfortcaregivers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/225water1.jpg” right=”20″ lightbox=”no”]The two most common excuses for elderly not drinking enough hydrating fluids are:
- Not liking the taste of water. (BUT, plain water isn’t the only hydrating beverage.)
- The inconvenience of having to make frequent bathroom trips. (BUT, not drinking enough can lead to urinary tract infection, which can make a person “dribble” or leak urine all day.)
So here are some helpful tips on how to keep a loved one hydrated:
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- Make beverages more appealing by having a variety and/or “dressing” them up.
- Increase fluids at mealtime by providing two or more hydrating beverages or foods such as soup or juice dense fruits.
- Increasing the quantity of fluid used when taking medications can make a vast difference.
- Drink to prevent thirst, not quench it.
- Remember to increase fluid intake when using stool softeners or bulk forming laxatives.
- Consume an extra glass of water for every dehydrating beverage you consume.
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Know the difference between a hydrating beverage and a dehydrating one:
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- Hydrating beverages include water, milk, sports drinks, seltzers, herbal teas, 100% fruit juices and all unsweetened, decaffeinated beverages.
- Dehydrating beverages include coffee, hot & iced tea, sodas with caffeine and alcohol.
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[br top=”13″]If a person is reluctant to drink a full 8 ounces of hydrating beverage, you may try to serve the 8 ounces in a larger glass, making it appear to be less than it is. This ‘mind over matter’ approach may help.
