Dehydration- the silent symptom. Family caregivers beware!
Dehydration - Yes you heard it right!
A University in Los Angeles showed over 45% seniors suffer from it silently. Most of them with chronic dehydration.
Not many caregivers are aware of this lurking behind the scenes symptom and it goes often unnoticed.
Did you know that highest rates of ER visits were due to dehydration alone in ages 70 and above?
Seniors with Dementia or Alzheimers
Shocking right? And its easily avoidable!
Elders with cognitive and memory problems like dementia or Alzheimer's can often forget simple things like even drinking water for example, it's important for them to have constant reminders at regular intervals all day to keep their hydration levels up.
BrioCare is a care app designed specifically for elderly needs powered by the good ole Alexa for seniors. It can be used for setting reminders for medications, upcoming appointments or simply to drink enough water. You can set alerts for whatever you loved ones need, it's easy and effective.
Self care to spot elder dehydration symptoms!
Dehydration often goes unnoticed but there are some sure shot signs you can tell, next time you visit your elders notice their health by a quick good look at them if you figure dry sunk eyes, more dry wrinkled skin or mouth, drowsy or irritable than usual, bloated abdomen or difficulty walking your loved one might be silently suffering dehydration.
Some severe symptoms that need quick addresal or a visit to the doctor are muscular cramps, a fast and weak signaled pulse, a low B.P., a sense of tiredness and fatigue all the time, or having a color change and less than normal urine or having headaches and confusion.
Rush to the ER if there are signs of fainting spells, convulsions, fast breathing.
The reasons for elder dehydration aren't unusual, as adequate water consumption is good for all age groups, but the for the older generations it's a combination of underlying cause that make it all the more important.
For example, in older adults kidneys don't function enough storing more more in the urine than normal, loss of sensations in general makes them feel less thirsty, some medication side effects can trigger dehydration often, general fluid imbalance is quite common in most elders.
Sometimes the sheer effort or conviction to get up and get a glass could be debilitating especially when someone has chronic joint aches or have trouble walking while living alone.
BrioCare an app that works with Alexa reminds you to drink water!
BrioCare care nudges can offer support and reminders to solo agers to help them keep motivated and upkeep their own wellness independently.
Correcting and checking on early signs of mild dehydration has its perks you can avoid your loved ones from the dreadful UTIs (urinary tract infection), prevent falls or fainting spells, heat strokes, while preventing kidney stones, poor circulation and a lot more unwanted stuff.
Prevention is better than cure!
Prevention is never too much, especially when it's elder's we're talking about .
So what's the right amount of daily elder water intake. The ideal figures go by ⅓ of your BMI (body mass index) so depends on generally how much you weigh.
For an average six to seven 8 ounce glass full water is enough. Depending on the weather you can add or take more if it's hot or you're sweating and losing more fluids than usual.
With elder's dealing with more serious chronic conditions or are under stronger medications, a little talk with their GP might suggest the right amount of daily water intake for them.
Avoid falls and avoid UTIs
Dehydration can be busted in its mild stages giving your elders a life free from troubles of reducing general laxative intake so no more constipation, no accidental falls or dizziness and no risk of bladder or bad UTIs. So drink more water and enjoy life with your fit old folks. Sure you're up for it!
Comments
Post a Comment