Dehydration is a problem for most seniors. Estimates are that most seniors are at least mildly dehydrated at any given point in time. Getting a senior to drink enough water is a challenge. But it can be even harder to make sure that a senior parent with Alzheimer’s is getting enough to drink. Seniors with Alzheimer’s may no longer recognize when they are thirsty. They may also be unable to ask for a drink when they’re thirsty. It’s up to caregivers to try and figure out when seniors with Alzheimer’s are thirsty and make sure that they drink.
Alzheimer’s care is very helpful for seniors that have Alzheimer’s. When seniors have Alzheimer’s care they have dedicated care from a care provider who has had training in the physical cues that seniors with Alzheimer’s exhibit when they are hungry or thirsty. Family members may not know how to decode body language and behavioral cues that indicate hunger or thirst but a care provider will. And care providers also have training that can help them successfully get seniors with Alzheimer’s to drink water or juice more often. Some other things that family members can do to get a senior parent with Alzheimer’s to drink more are:
Make A Water Bottle Easily Accessible
It’s a good idea to leave a water bottle next to your senior parent while they are watching TV or doing a task during the day. When the bottle is right next to them, they are more likely to just pick it up and start drinking. Just make sure that the bottle is insulated so that it will keep the water cold. And make sure that it has a good wide handle that your senior parent will be able to pick up easily. It’s also smart to make sure the lid is on very tight in case they knock the bottle over or drop it so that water doesn’t spill all over.
Prepare Snacks With Foods That Contain A Lot Of Water
You can sneak in some extra hydration by preparing snacks that have a lot of water in them. The extra moisture can help fight dehydration. Watermelon, cucumbers, citrus fruit, and other snacks that contain a lot of moisture are refreshing snacks for seniors, especially in the summer heat. Keep some on hand so that there’s always a healthy snack in the house.
Use The Ice Cube Method
The ice cube method is a great way to encourage seniors to drink throughout the day. Get some extra ice cube trays and fill them with some of the different beverages that your senior parent likes. Cranberry juice, ginger ale, and sparkling water are all great choices but you can use any drink. Freeze them. Then put a couple of the ice cubes in a glass in the morning with a splash of juice or water and put the glass on the table near your senior parent. Throughout the morning the cubes will melt, constantly refreshing the drink and making it cold and inviting so that your senior parent will be more likely to drink it.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Alzheimer’s care in Raleigh, NC please contact the caring staff at Affordable Family Care. Serving Raleigh, Greensboro, and the surrounding areas in North Carolina. Call today 919-676-1070.
