Senior Safety: Hydration Tips for the Hottest Days of Summer

Dear Donna:

My mom moved in with my family a few months ago after my dad passed away. Whether it’s swimming outside or attending our kids’ sports events, we are always on the move. Because my mom really isn’t safe staying alone, we’d like to include her in as many activities as possible. We also want to make sure we do so safely.

While my mom doesn’t have any serious health conditions, she does struggle with a few minor medical issues. A big concern for us is that she doesn’t seem to handle the heat as well as she used to. I am particularly worried about keeping her hydrated, as I’ve heard that is an issue for older people.

Do you have any suggestions for me on seniors and hydration?

Sincerely,

Kim in Saginaw, MI

 

What Caregivers Should Know About Senior Hydration

Dear Kim:

First, my condolences on the loss of your father. I’m sure this has been a difficult time for your entire family. Adding a loved one to the house is likely an adjustment for everyone, too.

You are right to be concerned about hydration for your mom this summer. The hot, humid days can be tough on people of all ages, but especially older adults who can become dehydrated fairly quickly. The summer sun also places seniors at increased risk for additional heat-related illnesses, like sun poisoning and heat stroke. Learning how to spot the signs of dehydration, as well as what you can do to avoid it, is important.

Common Signs a Senior Is Experiencing Dehydration

Recognizing when a senior loved one is in the early stages of dehydration allows you to treat the condition before a more serious health crisis occurs. Here are some of the common symptoms to look out for this summer:

• • • Headache
    • Dizziness
    • Weakness
    • Confusion
    • Dry mouth
    • Irritability
    • Sunken eyes
    • Trouble walking
    • Rapid heartbeat
    • Low blood pressure

Thankfully, there are steps you can take to help prevent a senior loved one from experiencing dehydration.

How to Keep a Senior Loved One Hydrated This Summer

• Pump up fluid intake: Preventing dehydration during the hot, humid days of summer requires eating and drinking the right foods and beverages. Water is almost always the best choice. Ask your mom’s doctor for guidance on how much she should be consuming on a typical summer day, especially if she’ll be outdoors in the heat. If she doesn’t care for the taste of water, try adding lemon, lime, cucumber slices, or berries to enhance the flavor. When you are planning menus, incorporate more foods that have high water content. These include melons, pears, berries, cucumbers, leafy greens, tomatoes, carrots, and popsicles.
• Limit caffeinated beverages: Drinks like iced coffee or frozen soda are popular during the summer because they taste so good, but the caffeine content can put a senior at increased risk for dehydration. While a single 8-ounce cup may not have much caffeine, super-sized cups or multiple caffeinated beverages in a day can create a problem. Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it causes fluids to pass through your system faster. That fluid loss can contribute to dehydration.
• Skip the alcohol: From weddings to graduation parties, summer is a season for celebrations. Many of these include alcoholic beverages. Just like caffeine, alcohol can contribute to dehydration. Seniors who are spending more than a few minutes at a time outdoors in the heat should limit or avoid consuming alcoholic beverages.
• Review medication side effects: Many people aren’t aware that some medications can increase sun sensitivity. That means they can put seniors at risk for dehydration or a serious sunburn. Most pharmacists can help you identify any of your mother’s prescriptions that might be problematic. This list of medications that cause dehydration can also help.
• Dress wisely: Another way to keep your mom cooler and hydrated in the heat is through her wardrobe. Be sure she has a few pairs of quality sunglasses and hats with brims that shield her face and neck. Loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, preferably made of cotton, can also help.

I hope these tips are useful to you and your mom, Kim. One additional suggestion you might find helpful now that your mother is living with you is to explore local respite care options. For example, Heritage Senior Communities welcome short-term guests whose family caregivers need a break or a vacation. We invite you to call one of our communities to schedule a private tour today!

Kind regards,

Donna