Staying well hydrated is very important for everyone but is especially important as we age. When we don’t drink enough water we could become delirious and end up in the hospital until someone figures out it is all about drinking enough fluids. This happened to my Mom and it was a terrible experience. She was combative and not herself at all. All this was due to not being hydrated.
If someone is in a facility, they can do a ’specific gravity’ test to be certain they are hydrated. Be certain that someone brings them water mid morning and mid afternoon – should be part of their care plan.
When someone is at home we might have to give them a phone call and ask them to go to the sink, get a glass of water and wait on the phone until they drink it. This is especially true if they have some dementia and forget easily.
What are some ways to remember to drink enough water every day?
- Use bottled water and keep track of the bottles each day
- Have a glass of water with every meal and between each meal
- Every time you pass the kitchen sink, have a glass of water
- Each time you use the bathroom, have a glass of water
Please share any ideas you have to encourage drinking more water for all of us.