Good hydration is critical to health maintenance at every age, but it's significant for seniors. Maintaining proper hydration helps prevent dehydration, one of the leading causes of hospitalization among seniors. Senior Helpers Lake Norman brings in-home care to Mooresville, Huntersville, Statesville, Cornelius, Denver, and Davidson area families. We want to provide essential information about how families can help foster healthy hydration habits that can also benefit the seniors in their lives.
Why Hydration Is Essential for the Whole Family
From improved digestion and weight management to pregnancy health and athletic performance, numerous health benefits are associated with proper hydration. It's a self-care task that everyone in the family should consider. Drinking enough water can also sharpen focus and improve concentration. That can make a difference in our day-to-day activities at any age. Also, encouraging the whole family to stay "well watered" is an effective way of motivating seniors within the family circle to keep up with their own healthy hydration routine.
How to Encourage Healthy Hydration Habits at Home
Encouraging healthy hydration habits for seniors doesn't always have to be complicated or lengthy. Small and simple things can make all the difference. Here are a few things you can try at home:
- Adding flavors like fruits, herbs, or cucumbers is one easy way to make water more appealing.
- Establishing a schedule around when drinks should be taken throughout the day will also help seniors stick to this new routine.
- Try including water-rich foods such as soup, smoothies, and fresh fruit when consuming meals. These are not only tasty but also provide powerful nutrients!
- Keeping cups filled up and readily available will help everyone remember to keep drinking. It's also helpful for seniors who may not always want to ask someone to help them get a drink.
Unhelpful Habits to Reduce to Promote Better Hydration
Building healthy habits for hydration is excellent, but it's also vital to drop unhealthy habits that may be preventing family members from getting enough hydration during the day.
Consider cutting back on unhelpful habits like regularly drinking coffee, soda, or juice. As these beverages can get in the way of proper hydration levels, they should be limited. Other similar drinks will likely leave you even more thirsty.
Offering smart alternatives such as non-sugar tea, herbal water, or green detox juices could help replace these dehydrating drinks gradually.
Need Help Fostering Healthy Habits for Your Senior Loved One?
We hope this blog has provided helpful tips to help families foster better and healthy hydration habits for seniors. After all, the primary purpose of our team here at Senior Helpers Lake Norman is to keep your senior loved one happy, healthy, safe, and well cared for in their home. Our experienced in-home carers work in the Mooresville, Huntersville, Statesville, Cornelius, Denver, and Davidson communities. If you need senior care, please give us a call now! We'd love to offer you a free in-home consultation to discuss your senior loved one's needs.