The human body cannot function for too long without water, so staying hydrated is important no matter your age or the season. Hydration is even more important for older adults, and seniors who do not drink enough water each day are vulnerable to a range of health problems.

The senior care staff at Visiting Angels in Tom’s River, NJ, constantly stress the importance of hydration to elderly patients and their caregivers, as older people are much more susceptible to dehydration and the negative health effects it incurs.

Take a look at some of the problems dehydration causes and why it is essential to comprehensive elderly care:

• Seniors who do not drink enough fluids every day are vulnerable to urinary tract infections, among other bladder problems. Many elderly people who increasingly lose mobility or suffer from incontinence and similar issues are reluctant to use the bathroom and drink less water as a result.
• Medications for high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, and kidney disease are often diuretics, resulting in high fluid loss and the need to replenish the body with water. Others cause dry mouth symptoms, which also makes drinking more water a highly necessary part of home care.

• Kidney function frequently decreases due to age, resulting in lessened sensitivity to the anti-diuretic hormone, which is important in maintaining the body’s water balance.
• Seniors may have illnesses or conditions that interfere with the body’s ability to retain water. Such illnesses and conditions include digestive problems, influenza, and high blood sugar.

These are merely some of the many reasons it’s important to ensure the seniors in your life stay hydrated. Discuss water needs with your elderly care providers at Visiting Angels and come up with a plan that makes certain the older person in question receives his or her daily recommended fluid intake.

For more on senior care, including home care and Alzheimer’s care services, please contact Visiting Angels in Tom’s River, NJ, today. Call (732) 240-1050 or visit the website.