DEHYDRATION

Are you feeling the heat? Your residents are!

Dehydration is increasingly common amongst the elderly. Aim for 6-8 cups of fluid each day

As you get older…

• Thirst reduces
• The body is less efficient at absorbing and retaining water
• Reduced water storage in the body
• Incontinence embarrassment
• Increased swallowing problems

Signs of dehydration:

• Dry mouth, lips and tongue
• Strong smelling and dark urine
• Feeling faint
• Confusion
• Urinary tract infections
• Constipation

How can you increase fluid intake:

• Encourage residents by allowing them to have drinks that they enjoy – hot or cold
• Serve a full glass with each meal and mid-meals
• Serve a full glass with medications
• Encourage residents to ask for refills
• Sit upright whilst drinking and eating
• Serve drinks at every activity session
• Use straws, spouted cups, larger handles on cups and squeeze bottles to prevent difficulties

Does it matter what residents have to drink?

• Caffeinated drinks (e.g. coffee) do not count
• Some residents my find high fluid snacks easier to manage (e.g. jelly, ice-cream, custard, yoghurt, pureed fruits, soup)

The staff at Wellness & Lifestyles would like to thank all of our clients who have helped us to be named as the 75th fastest growing business in Australia in the BRW Fast 100 2009.

To organise a dietetic assessment please contact Wellness & Lifestyles on 08 8331 3000 or