Elders Care: Warm Weather And Dehydration
With the arrival of summers, the elders and their home care givers must pay close attention to signs of dehydration.
Dehydration is a very common problem among seniors and it occurs when the body has lost too many fluids and electrolytes. Seniors are at the highest risk as they often don"t drink enough liquids.
Dehydration may results in medical conditions such as vomiting, heat stroke, diarrhea, urinal infections etc.Severe cases of dehydration in the elderly can be fatal and is a common reason for hospitalization.Signs that an elderly person is experiencing dehydration are thirst, irritability, unordinary confusion and poor skin elasticity. However, until the condition is moderate to severe in symptoms, it can be very difficult to detect for inexperienced home care givers.
SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION
Extreme Thirst
Dry mouth and tongue with thick saliva
Mild to severe Headaches
Weakness or excessive sleepiness
Dizziness, especially when standing
Flushed face
Dry, warm skin with little or no elasticity
Crying with no or few tears
Unordinary confusion
Fever
Cramps in legs and arms
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
Excessive Irritability
TIPS TO AVOID DEHYDRATION IN THE SENIORS
Maintain an appropriate amount of fluid intake daily.
Many seniors are overwhelmed when handed a large glass or container of liquid to drink. Encourage drinking by using smaller glasses and portions.
Avoid overexposure to the sun and ensure fluids are being consumed during all outside activity.
Follow your physician"s nutrition guidelines at all times to ensure a proper balance of sodium and potassium.
Dehydration is best avoided by drinking sufficient water. The greater the amount of water lost through perspiration, the more water must be consumed to replace it and avoid dehydration. Since the body cannot tolerate large deficits or excesses in total body water, consumption of water must be roughly concurrent with the loss.
Thus, we can easily conclude that just by increase the intake of liquids in daily routine, seniors can easily protect themselves from dehydration. Clean and fresh water must be use for drinking always. It is better if they drink boiled water, as boiled water is free from germs.
Dehydration is a very common problem among seniors and it occurs when the body has lost too many fluids and electrolytes. Seniors are at the highest risk as they often don"t drink enough liquids.
Dehydration may results in medical conditions such as vomiting, heat stroke, diarrhea, urinal infections etc.Severe cases of dehydration in the elderly can be fatal and is a common reason for hospitalization.Signs that an elderly person is experiencing dehydration are thirst, irritability, unordinary confusion and poor skin elasticity. However, until the condition is moderate to severe in symptoms, it can be very difficult to detect for inexperienced home care givers.
SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION
Extreme Thirst
Dry mouth and tongue with thick saliva
Mild to severe Headaches
Weakness or excessive sleepiness
Dizziness, especially when standing
Flushed face
Dry, warm skin with little or no elasticity
Crying with no or few tears
Unordinary confusion
Fever
Cramps in legs and arms
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
Excessive Irritability
TIPS TO AVOID DEHYDRATION IN THE SENIORS
Maintain an appropriate amount of fluid intake daily.
Many seniors are overwhelmed when handed a large glass or container of liquid to drink. Encourage drinking by using smaller glasses and portions.
Avoid overexposure to the sun and ensure fluids are being consumed during all outside activity.
Follow your physician"s nutrition guidelines at all times to ensure a proper balance of sodium and potassium.
Dehydration is best avoided by drinking sufficient water. The greater the amount of water lost through perspiration, the more water must be consumed to replace it and avoid dehydration. Since the body cannot tolerate large deficits or excesses in total body water, consumption of water must be roughly concurrent with the loss.
Thus, we can easily conclude that just by increase the intake of liquids in daily routine, seniors can easily protect themselves from dehydration. Clean and fresh water must be use for drinking always. It is better if they drink boiled water, as boiled water is free from germs.
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