The human body is approximately 65 percent water. Water is used for all essential functions throughout the body, including digesting food, producing and rebuilding cells, hydrating and protecting the skin, lubricating the joints, temperature regulation, blood circulation, and respiration. Losing just 10 percent of the water content in the body can lead to very serious health problems, while losing 20 percent can lead to death. As a family caregiver, these statistics are staggering and illustrate just how important it is that you take the proper steps to ensure that your loved one gets the fluids that they need to keep their body functioning, safe, and healthy, particularly during the hotter times of the year when dehydration is a more serious risk. This starts with being able to recognize the signs of dehydration so that you know when to intervene.
Some of the signs of dehydration include:
- Extreme thirst
- Persistent thirst that does not seem alleviated even after your parent drinks a normal amount
- Bad breath that could indicate that the tissues within their mouth, including their gums, are drying out and producing more bacteria
- Not urinating as frequently
- Urine that takes on a darker color
- Skin that feels dry and may appear flushed
- Cramping of the muscles as the electrolytes and other elements that the muscles lessen and the muscles have to work harder
- Dizziness or light-heatedness
- Confusion or disorientation
- Fever, particularly a body temperature that goes over 101 degrees
- Chills even if they are in a warm environment
- Cravings for foods, especially sweets as the body struggles to bring the proper nutrients to the different symptoms because there is not enough water within the body to release the nutrients from the organs or transport them efficiently
It is important that you do not wait until you think that your parent is dehydrated to start encouraging them to get the fluids that they need. Make simple changes to their lifestyle to introduce more fluids, most importantly water, into their daily lives.
Starting home care for your elderly loved one can be an exceptional way for you to help them live the highest quality of life possible as they age in place. The highly personalized services of an in-home care provider can fill care gaps that might exist in your efforts due to your own limitations or busy schedule. This means that both when you are able to be with your loved one and when you are not, you can feel confident that they are getting all of the care, support, assistance, and encouragement that they need to manage their challenges, limitations, and needs in the way that is right for them. This will not only boost their physical health and safety, but also improve their mental and emotional health and well-being while encouraging them to stay as independent, engaged, and fulfilled as possible. In your role as a family caregiver this will give you greater confidence that they will be in the best hands both when they are with you and when they are not.
If you or a family member are in need of a caregiver in Pembroke Pines, FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing service in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Weston, Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Lighthouse Point, and Wilton Manors.
http://www2.erie.gov/seniorservices/index.php?q=heat-stress
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/dxc-20261072
https://www.everydayhealth.com/news/unusual-signs-of-dehydration/
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