The Risks of Dehydration in Seniors

Vancouver Senior Health  |  April 30, 2021

What Every Senior in Vancouver, BC, Needs to Understand About the Importance of Hydration

Dehydration in Seniors | Seniors are at a higher risk of dehydration than any other age group. With age, physiological changes happen in the body that increase the risk of becoming dehydrated. For example, many seniors lose their sense of thirst, which is why they do not drink enough fluids. Also, as older adults engage in fewer physical activities and tend to eat fewer calories, they do not get fluids from solid foods, like fruits or veggies.

Seniors can also develop dehydration as a result of medications, stress, health problems, and the weather. Because older adults are unable to regulate body temperatures as well as younger adults, they are more affected by changes in temperatures. Plus, seniors perspire less, which makes it difficult for them to stay cool while also making them more susceptible to dehydration. This is also why older adults are more prone to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, two very serious conditions that are closely related to dehydration.

The Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration in Seniors

Since dehydration can in severe cases lead to death, it is important to know the most common signs and symptoms. Dehydration is often manifested with fatigue, lethargy, forgetfulness, muscle weakness, headaches, dizziness, confusion, rapid breathing, and an increased heart rate. But there are also some less common symptoms to be on the lookout for, such as loss of fluids through vomiting, sunken eyes, dry/sticky mucous membranes in the mouth, decreased tears, and decreased urine output.

If your loved one has any of these symptoms and if taking in fluids does not help, go to the emergency room or contact your doctor immediately.

Preventing Dehydration in Seniors

To prevent dehydration in seniors, it is important to monitor their fluid intake and ensure they are taking at least 64 ounces of fluids daily. Older adults should take in fluids through water and non-caffeinated drinks (caffeinated drinks and alcohol can lead to dehydration), as well as through fruits and veggies like melons, berries, apples, peaches, cucumbers, and cauliflower. If your loved one is unable to take in plenty of fluids due to the taste of water, you can mix water with powdered drink mixes (but do not add any sugar).

Following these simple tips should prevent dehydration in seniors. But be especially careful during warm months and make sure your loved one always has a bottle of water nearby.

The Best Senior Home Care Provider in Vancouver, BC, is Comfort Keepers®

Many families prefer Comfort Keepers® when arranging senior home care services for a loved one in or around Vancouver, British Columbia. 

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can help with 24-hour care. Comfort Keepers Vancouver also provides home care services like respite care, overnight care, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care, personal care, and more! 

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver Can Help with Companion Care and Interactive Caregiving™

Personal and empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our clients’ needs. Comfort Keeper’s philosophy is to elevate the human spirit, and our caregivers ensure your loved one experiences a better quality of life.

Trained caregivers help provide our senior clients with personal home care to help maintain the highest possible quality of life, keeping them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ delivers a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Bring The Best Home Care Assistance for Seniors Right Where You Live with Comfort Keepers®

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver is proud to provide elder care in homes throughout Vancouver, keeping seniors safe in their homes. We provide home care for the seniors of Vancouver and the surrounding areas of Burnaby, Langley, Maple Ridge, and Richmond. Please call (604) 689-8609. 

Personal Care and Senior Homecare in Vancouver, BC

Learn more about our unique service, which offers personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care by contacting the Comfort Keepers® Vancouver office.

Accredited and Quality Respite Care Available 24/7 for British Columbia Families

Accreditation Canada has awarded Comfort Keepers® Vancouver with Exemplary Standing. This designation is only achieved after an organization’s policies, procedures, and processes undergo a thorough evaluation by industry experts to ensure they meet or exceed the stringent quality standards set by Accreditation Canada for Home Care companies.

Share This Post: