Dehydration in the Elderly: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments

Dehydration in the elderly can be extremely dangerous. Here are some practical guidelines and tips.

Dehydration is one of the more common results of heat exhaustion and the one people are most familiar with and guard against. Simply put, it occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. Dehydration in the elderly in Secaucus is particularly of concern and potentially quite dangerous. Unfortunately, it throws the body into a state of imbalance which, if left untreated, could lead to death.

Causes of dehydration include the following conditions where there is an obvious loss of fluid:

Fever
Heat exposure
Vomiting
Diarrhea

Interestingly, other less obvious causes of dehydration in the elderly include:

Diabetes which can cause dehydration if glucose levels are elevated for too long a period. The kidneys seek to remove the extra glucose through the urine, thereby increasing the risk of dehydration.
Irritable bowel syndrome which is often accompanied by diarrhea, a common cause of dehydration.
Some prescription medications and dietary supplements can dehydrate the body so it is important
to discuss this side effect with your doctor.
Decreased sense of thirst with age which accompanies alterations in other physiological control
systems in the elderly. Signs of dehydration are:
Dry mouth
Dark urine
Lethargy
Headache
Dizziness
Lack of tears or sweat

Moreover, more severe cases of dehydration may experience:

Dry skin and shriveling
Low blood pressure
Fever
Increased heart rate
Unconsciousness Treatments

The treatment for dehydration is similar to that of heat exposure in that it is important to keep the person cool and re-hydrated. Obviously, offer water or drinks infused with electrolytes in order to replace any that were lost. On balance, medical treatment in the elderly is always a safe bet. Call the doctor immediately or go to the emergency room where they restore bodily fluids intravenously, check vital signs and probe for the underlying causes of the dehydration.

Prevent Dehydration in the Elderly

After understanding some of the causes, there are many things that you can due to prevent dehydration. Some helpful tips include:

Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink. Always keep a bottle of water on hand or next to you on a side table or night table. Bring extra when you go outdoors. Assist the elderly and remind them to drink frequently.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol consumption since those drinks tend to be dehydrating.
Stay in cool areas and limit your exposure to the sun especially in high heat index days and dayparts.
Make sure your diet includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Aside from providing vital nutrients, they are foods with a high water content.

David York Agency Home Healthcare Helps Seniors in Secaucus

As always, David York Agency is available to assist in any way you need to ensure that your loved one gets the very best of care. We provide skilled home health aide services for the elderly in their home and are abreast of all the latest guidelines for seniors.

At David York Home Healthcare Agency, extraordinary service is what sets us apart from other companies in Secaucus that provide in home health care services. At DYA, we could provide direction as to how to manage the total care of your senior loved one. Whatever your care needs, we are there for you, always striving to exceed your expectations. For more information about David York Agency’s qualified, compassionate caregivers, contact us at (908) 373-5300. A free phone consultation can help you determine what services would meet your needs. We aim to provide you and your loved one with the assistance they need. If you’d like to hear more from us, please like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.

For more helpful tips and information, contact us today.