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Back in November, we looked at how we can encourage our residents to eat. Today let’s consider how we can encourage our memory care residents to drink more fluids to prevent dehydration.
Why are people with dementia more prone to dehydration?
As we age, a variety of issues cause us to be more prone to dehydration. However, people living with dementia tend to be at even higher risk. These are several contributing factors:
- Inability to recognize the sense of thirst
- Forget how to obtain beverages
- Don’t remember the importance of fluid intake
- Acute illness such as diarrhea, vomiting, or fever
- Difficulty with the physical aspect of drinking due to shakiness, pain, or stiffness
- Inability to communicate that they feel thirsty
- Medications that promote the loss of fluid
- Difficulty with swallowing
- Fear of losing bladder control
- Excessive sweating because of hot temps
What happens when someone gets dehydrated?
Dehydration can lead to a litany of adverse effects, especially in the elderly. These are just a few:
- Constipation
- Urinary tract and other infections
- Dizziness with an increased risk of falls
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- More prone to pressure sores and slow skin healing
- Kidney stones
How can we help prevent dehydration?
There are a few medical conditions, such as certain heart or kidney diseases, in which too much fluid intake could be dangerous. However, the vast majority of people living with dementia will benefit when you encourage them to take in more liquids. Here are several approaches that can help:
- Provide foods that are high in water content such as soups, homemade popsicles, yogurt, jello, watermelon, custards, or sorbet.
- Be sure fluids are within easy reach.
- Include beverages as a routine part of activities.
- Offer fluids frequently throughout the day, not just at meals.
- Try drinks at different temperatures. Some people prefer warm beverages, while others prefer cold. In fact, for residents with sensitive teeth, iced beverages might cause pain.
- Provide adaptive equipment as needed. Occupational or speech therapy can determine what’s best for each resident.
- Encourage acceptance of fluids by saying something like, “You look thirsty. I brought you a drink.”
- Have a beverage along with the resident.
- Try offering flavorful beverages instead of plain water. Options include adding a bit of lemon/lime juice, mint sprigs, fruit, or flavored tea.
- Avoid asking, “Would you like something to drink?”. The answer will probably be “No”. Instead, try asking a question such as, “Would you like apple juice or orange juice?”
*Here’s a free printable you can use as a reminder of which foods are highest in water content.*
What did I miss? Please share how you encourage your residents to get adequate fluids.
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