The Elderly and Dehydration

Older people tend to take more medications than the younger population and some of which may contribute to dehydration such as ‘fluid pills’ that make them urinate more often. This can contribute to dehydration especially during the summer months.

Symptoms of dehydration can include fevers, changes in heart rate and/or blood pressure, confusion, irritability, eyes that appear sunken in, and/or nausea as well as other individual symptoms.

Additionally, we can determine if a person is dehydrated if when pulling up on the skin of the hands it does not immediately return to its place. Also another tell tale sign is if the person is not excreting as much urine as usual.

If any of the above symptoms are affecting any person, you should call a physician for instructions.

Please remember to take in extra fluids during the summer. Typically eight 8oz. glasses of fluid are enough but more should be consumed during this season and especially in the elderly or if a person is outside for prolonged periods of time. Included in fluid is coffee. Fluid does not have to mean all water. Pudding, yogurt, ice cream, and popsicles are other ‘fluids’ that count.

If a person has CHF (congestive heart failure) and/or is on ‘fluid pills’, please seek the advice from their physician prior to offering many extra fluids to avoid excess liquid in the lungs and/or heart.

Symptoms of excess fluid in the lungs/heart may appear as swelling in the extremities and in particular the legs. Elevating the legs may assist with decreasing the fluid noted in them. Be certain that the person is breathing without any difficulties. If breathing increases or sounds ‘noisy or congested’, call 911.

Again, if any changes in condition or symptoms, alert the physician.