Dehydration is a potentially deadly problem in nursing homes in South Carolina and across the U.S. In fact, a recent study from UCLA, found that as many as 40% of older Americans do not consume enough fluids. Unfortunately, dehydration may also be a sign of nursing home neglect or even abuse.
If you think your elderly relative may suffer from dehydration in the nursing home, you should encourage him or her to consume more fluids. Implementing the following three strategies may also be helpful.
1. Look for something other than water
Certain medications and medical conditions may make plain water taste awful to your loved one. Luckily, consuming water is not necessary for good hydration. Juices, tea, coffee and even soda may do the trick.
Before giving any of these to someone in a nursing home, though, you should check with a nutritionist or physician.
2. Make fluids available
Nursing home residents often have mobility issues that make it difficult or impossible to obtain fluids without help. Therefore, you should keep a full container of water or another hydrating liquid within your loved one’s reach.
Simply finding a cup or bottle your relative treasures may do the trick.
3. Modify the temperature of fluids
As a person ages, his or her mouth may become more or less sensitive. Consequently, you may need to modify the temperature of the fluids you serve to your loved one. This is especially true if your relative complains about liquids hurting his or her mouth.
Ultimately, whether your loved one enjoys hot, cold or room-temperature fluids, boosting his or her fluid intake is one of the more effective ways to combat the potentially serious complications that often come with dehydration.
