It is important for your loved ones to constantly stay hydrated especially in the hot, humid days of summer. Seniors are especially vulnerable to dehydration, which may result in heatstroke and heat exhaustion. As your family members age, their sensation of thirst decreases, thus they may be thirsty without realizing it. This is why it is important for us to regularly hydrate ourselves at all times of the day and especially when engaging in strenuous activities. Caregivers and family members should always watch out for signs of dehydration in their loved ones. Symptoms of dehydration include cramping in their limbs, dry skin, body weakness, headaches, and dry mouth or dry tongue. This guide will list down the various ways which help your loved ones stay hydrated in the summer.
Drink Constantly
There are many different fluids we can drink to stay hydrated. These fluids could be water, milk, tea, broth, sports drink, or fruit juices. Fluids that people should avoid include high-protein and alcoholic drinks, which may aggravate and worsen dehydration. Your loved ones should also minimize their salt and sugar intake and eat high amounts of protein. They should also try to drink fluids regularly alongside meals. Before exercising or going out into the sun, it is also recommended to hydrate yourself. It is always better to drink too much water and have frequent trips to the toilet than to be dehydrated. By drinking consistently and drinking small amounts of fluid throughout the day, seniors will be able to better withstand the summer heat and remain hydrated.
Food and Diet
Drinking broths and soups would be a much better alternative as these can provide good nutrition whilst ensuring that your body is hydrated. Your loved ones should also eat more fruits and foods which help to hydrate the body. Fruits high in moisture such as watermelon, grapes, grapefruit are just some examples and should be incorporated into their daily diet. If your loved ones are taking any medication, you should be familiar with their medications and manage them well. This is because certain kinds of medication such as diuretics can cause them to become dehydrated much faster. By being mindful of their medications, you can increase and top up their fluid intake as required.
Seek Professional Help
If you find that your loved ones get thirsty and dehydrated easily despite your best efforts to increase their fluid intake, do not hesitate to seek professional help as this could be a symptom of a larger problem. Getting the problem diagnosed by a doctor would allow the doctor to prescribe the necessary medication and the appropriate treatments necessary to help your loved one. For example, polydipsia is a term for excessive thirst and is one of the initial symptoms of diabetes. People who suffer from polydipsia constantly feel the need to drink large amounts of fluid and even after doing so still feel very thirsty. By getting these health issues diagnosed early, the doctor will be able to start medical treatment much earlier and thus avert more serious complications. If you are always busy and unable to care for your loved ones frequently, you should also consider other senior care options to ensure your loved ones are well taken care of.
