Seniors must stay hydrated to remain healthy, especially during the hot summer days. Staying hydrated helps seniors maintain good health, prevent disease, and recover faster from injuries or illness. That said, even if you are helping part-time or full-time with a senior loved one's caretaking needs, ensuring they stay hydrated daily can be tricky. Luckily, there are some helpful tips and tools that you can use to help your senior relative stay well-hydrated throughout the summer days ahead (and throughout the year).
Why Is Hydration Important?
Hydration is the process of replenishing fluids, electrolytes, and other elements lost when sweating or urinating. Proper hydration helps all cells in the body stay healthy and function properly. It can also help with digestion, mood regulation, and even memory retention. Compounds such as electrolytes are often depleted from dehydration, which can lead to a drop in energy levels or cause lightheadedness and fatigue, all of which become especially concerning for seniors as they age.
Tips and Tools to Help Senior Relatives Stay Hydrated
Encourage Regular Water Intake
One of the best tips for helping seniors stay hydrated is to encourage them to drink water throughout the day. Ensure they have a few glasses of water when they wake up, before meals, between snacks, and before bed.
Add Flavor to Water
Seniors can sometimes get bored of drinking just plain water, so adding flavor to their drinks is one way to ensure they stay hydrated daily. For a refreshing taste, consider infusing the water with slices of citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges. Other options include adding mint leaves, cucumbers, strawberries, or melon pieces.
Schedule Drinking Breaks
Throughout the day, schedule short drinking breaks for your senior relative. Aim to have them drink a glass of water every hour or two. This can also be an opportunity to check in and discuss their dehydration symptoms. It's also an opportunity to check how they generally feel throughout the day.
Provide Easy-to-grip Water Bottles
It can be challenging for seniors to use traditional water bottles, especially if they need to grip the bottle tightly. Buy them a water bottle that is easy to hold and sip from. These water bottles come in many sizes, colors, and shapes. You can also keep them in the refrigerator so that cold drinks are ready when thirsty!
Buy a Water Filter
Water filters can provide healthier, cleaner, and tastier water for your senior relative to drink. Look for the best filters that remove chlorine, lead, and other contaminants from tap water, making it safe to drink.
Need More Help Supporting Your Senior Loved One's Health?
Staying hydrated is integral to ensuring seniors are healthy. With the right tips and tools, you can help senior relatives stay hydrated day-to-day and prolong their good health throughout the summer days ahead. If you need additional help providing in-home care for your senior relative living in Mooresville, Huntersville, Statesville, Cornelius, Denver, or Davidson, please contact Senior Helpers Lake Norman to find out how we can assist you.