In the summer, older adults are more susceptible to dehydration, but it can happen at any time. The sensation of feeling thirsty may not be as noticeable. Prostate issues may lead to incontinence, which may make him cautious of drinking too much water.
Prescription medications that cause nausea may keep your dad from wanting to eat or drink anything. There are also medications that can lead to dehydration if you’re not careful. Diuretics are an example of one problematic medication. It’s important for your dad’s health, but it also increases the risk of dehydration.
What Are the Signs of Dehydration?
How can you tell if your dad is dehydrated? If his urine is dark or he’s not often going to the bathroom, it can be an indicator. If he is confused or disoriented, it can be a sign of dehydration. Confusion is also a sign of other issues, so you can’t rely on that sign alone.
Low blood pressure, a fast heart rate, dizziness, and weakness are other signs. One of the better ones is to see if his skin looks especially dry under the armpit. If he’s complaining of his mouth feeling dry and sticky, that can also indicate dehydration.
What Do You Do Next?
If you suspect your dad is dehydrated, call his doctor. He may not need to be seen, but the doctor may want to check him over and adjust medications if they are the root of the problem. A blood test to check his electrolytes will help determine if he has low potassium or sodium levels.
Get him to sit down and sip at juice, water, seltzer, decaffeinated tea, or a sports drink. He needs to sip it and not take large gulps. If he’s mildly dehydrated, that should be enough to help him feel better. If he’s still showing signs, take him to his doctor or an immediate care center.
Preventing Dehydration
If your dad is on diuretics, talk to his doctor about how much liquid to offer him each hour. Set timers or purchase a timer water bottle to ensure he’s drinking enough without drinking too much.
If his dehydration isn’t linked to his medications, make sure he is given a glass of water throughout the day. Monitor how much he’s drinking. Offer reminders if he’s not drinking enough.
If he resists drinking more, try serving him melon cubes, grapes, berries, and slices of orange. All of those fruits have a higher water content, which will help increase his water intake. Senior care services are also worth discussing to ensure someone is available when you’re not. A senior care aide can encourage him to drink a little each hour or eat a fruit or vegetable with extra water content.
For more information about hiring Senior Care in Pacific Beach, CA, call the friendly caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare who can help your aging parents remain in their own homes, at 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in La Jolla, CA, and the surrounding communities.
Today we are the oldest and most experienced private duty agency in San Diego County.She saw a need for quality private duty home health care and she worked diligently to build an agency that filled that need.I am proud to say, her vision is carried on today with our dedicated staff.
I believe our tenure in the community speaks well for us.We have had the opportunity to be of service to countless interesting individuals, including local and worldwide celebrities.It is the people we care for that makes this a fascinating industry.Whether high profile or a more ordinary citizen, we are proud that thousands have entrusted us with their care or the care of their loved ones.Our Mission is to provide high quality, very secure and the most compassionate home health care.We believe that patients heal faster and are happiest when they can stay in their homes.”
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