Simple Tips To Keep Your Loved Ones Hydrated This Summer

There’s not much that’ll bring a smile quicker than the thought of visiting with the grandkids, is there? Especially on a hot summer day when you can sit on the porch together eating ice cream or sipping a tall glass of ice-cold sweet tea. Simple moments like these quickly become cherished memories.  

As temperatures rise, though, it’s important to be mindful of how heat can impact us. Hydration is more than just a summer tip. It’s a key to maintaining energy, comfort, and health.

Let’s take a look at why older adults may be more susceptible to dehydration, what signs to watch for, and how you can support your loved ones and help them stay hydrated, safe, and well all season long.

Why Seniors Are More Vulnerable to Dehydration 

“As you age, your body’s thirst signal diminishes. When your body needs water, you may not even realize it because you don’t feel thirsty like you once did.” – WebMD 

Seniors can be more susceptible to dehydration for several reasons. Besides natural changes that take place in our bodies as we age, medications such as diuretics can contribute. Diuretics are designed to help us release excess fluid, but when someone isn’t drinking enough water, they can lead to dehydration. 

The interactions between multiple prescription medications can also contribute. When your loved one has more than one prescription, it’s important to consult their doctor to be sure the combination of medications is safe and effective and doesn’t impact hydration.

Cognitive decline can further complicate things. When the decline affects memory or awareness, it’s easier for your family member to forget to drink water throughout the day. 

Signs of Dehydration to Watch For

How will you know when someone you care about is struggling with dehydration? The signs can be subtle in aging adults, so it’s important to know what to look for. 

As we mentioned earlier, the body’s natural thirst signals decrease as we age, so dehydration doesn’t necessarily create a sense of thirst. Instead, some common indicators are dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, and headaches. Some people may also experience confusion, irritability, or muscle cramps.  

If you notice these signs in a parent, neighbor, or someone you care for, especially during summer weather or after physical activity, it’s a good time to ask how they’re feeling and encourage them to drink some water.

Simple Ways To Help Your Loved One Stay Hydrated 

We recently wrote about the importance of routines in senior care. One of the best things you can do for the older adults in your life is to help them create a hydration routine, that is, to help them stay hydrated.

Here are some ideas for doing that in a way that respects their independence while meeting a vital need: 

• Set reminders – These can be as simple as notes placed in highly visible places or as complex as digital reminders on a tablet or computer.  

• Connect drinking water to other important routines – This might be first thing in the morning, at every meal, and mid-morning right after taking a walk. When it’s connected to other things someone is already doing, it’ll be easier to remember.  

• Keep a hydration log – Place the log near where your family members refill their water glasses so it’s easy to jot down when they have a glass of water, juice, or something else to drink. 

• Leave a favorite glass in a specific spot –  This makes sure it’s always easy to reach and easy to see if it’s empty or full.  

If your loved one doesn’t really enjoy drinking water, try flavoring it with fruit to make it more enjoyable. You might also encourage them to add more high-water content foods into their daily diet to help keep fluid levels where they need to be. For example, try more watermelon, apples, cucumber, lettuce, or other similar foods.  

Hydration is a simple but vital part of staying healthy and safe this summer. If your family member could use extra support at home, reach out to Golden Harmony. We’re here to enrich lives and promote independence through exceptional home care that supports the well-being of older adults every day.