While the summer period presents great opportunities for exercise and activity for many seniors, it also presents risks when it comes to dehydration. Older adults are at a higher risk of heat stroke and dehydration than most other people, whether due to a specific medical condition or just adjustment to temperature changes.
At Cozy Retire, our assisted living facility includes staff who are well-trained on proper hydration for all our residents. Whether you’re a full-time caregiver or someone just visiting a senior loved one for an afternoon in the sun, there are a few important things to remember when it comes to helping an older person stay properly hydrated to avoid any risks. Let’s go over the standard amount of water a given older adult should have in a day, some signs that dehydration might be taking place, and some general tactics for boosting hydration.
Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the standard recommendation for water or clear fluid consumption in a single day for adults is between 48 and 64 ounces. But this is only an average – it does not factor in added outdoor activities, nor the potentially higher risk of dehydration for seniors.
Mostly through water, but also using liquids like soup, vegetable juices and milk, seniors should get at least this amount of fluid each day. On the flip side, beverages like coffee or soda should not be considered part of this intake – those that contain caffeine may actually increase dehydration risk due to their qualities as a diuretic.
If your loved one or any senior in your care is experiencing dehydration, some of the earliest signs may include:
Here are several tips for avoiding any of these signs or other dehydration risks:
For more on preventing dehydration in seniors, or to learn about any of our memory care or senior care services, speak to the staff at Cozy Retire today.