While it’s critical for every person to stay hydrated, daily water intake is especially important for the elderly. As people age, their bodies retain less water, making them more susceptible to dehydration. This can lead to heatstroke, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, and kidney failure. Because of this, hydration a key part of senior care. If you have an elderly loved one in your life, follow these tips to encourage them to drink more water.

5 Senior Care Tips to Promote Hydration

1. Provide Easy Access

When water is easily accessible, seniors will be inclined to drink it more often. One easy way to improve access is to keep a cool, lightweight pitcher of water in the refrigerator. If that’s not possible, consider stocking the kitchen with easy-open water bottles.

2. Disguise with Flavor

If your loved one isn’t satisfied with standard drinking water, there are ways you can make it more appealing. For example, you could prepare a nutritious soup broth, flavor water with fruit, or make popsicles in a variety of tasty flavors.

3. Choose Comfortable Cups  

Individuals who struggle with arthritis or other mobility issues may find it difficult to grasp certain types of glassware. Depending on your loved one’s needs, stock your kitchen with easy-grip mugs or spill-proof cups to make it more comfortable for them to drink water.

4. Pair Water With Medication

If medication management is part of your senior care activities, serve any pills with a full glass of water as opposed to a small cup. Providing water with medication can encourage older individuals to finish the glass and increase their fluid intake. It can also help seniors establish a routine of drinking water at the same time every day.

5. Serve Foods With High Water Content

If drinking water isn’t in the cards for the senior in your life, there are many foods you can serve to increase hydration. For example, watermelon, cucumbers, and tomatoes all have high water content. By eating these tasty and nutritious snacks, seniors will nourish their bodies and increase their fluid intake at the same time.

Proper hydration is just one of the many challenges you may face as a caregiver to an elderly loved one. Fortunately, Home Helpers of Jacksonville can provide assistance every step of the way. Focused on providing citizens of Calhoun County, AL, with compassionate and reliable support, this senior care agency will connect you to professional caregivers that can meet your loved one’s specific health needs, budgetary requirements, and scheduling concerns. Visit the in-home care provider online to learn more about their services or call (256) 776-7769 to discuss your options with a team member.