How To Tell If Your Loved One Is Not Staying Hydrated

The role that hydration plays in your overall health cannot be understated. If you are not getting enough water you can suffer from fatigue and headaches that can turn into a worse health condition if not addressed. That is why it is so important to remain vigilant with your own hydration, but also to keep an eye on your loved one who may be aging in place.

If you are the caregiver for someone it is important that you are aware of all of their health related issues. One of these issues is insuring that she/he is properly hydrated so that their health remains consistent and does not worsen over time. The good news is that dehydration, if caught early, can be very easy to resolve by simply adding more water intake to your loved one’s daily routine.

Here are some signs to tell if your loved one needs some intervention to stay more well-hydrated.

1.) Is your loved one thirsty? Thirst can show up a lot later as a sign as people get older. When you’re younger your body notifies you that you are thirsty a lot sooner then when you are older and therefore when thirst comes on your loved one may be suffering worse dehydration then you may have thought.

2.) Cramping in your muscles. As it is, those who are not as active are susceptible to muscle weakness and cramping, but add to that the lack of hydration and you could be in for a long road back to a place where you are fully hydrated. It is important to pay attention if your loved one is complaining about cramps and weakness that this could be a sign of dehydration.

3.) Dry mouth. Without the proper hydration your body begins to lose saliva in your mouth and therefore you may develop a dry mouth. This can be quite common in older adults so it is something to keep a close eye out for as you are caring for your loved one.

4.) Headache. When you are dehydrated you may be experiencing low blood flow which can lead to headaches. You may not immediately think of headaches as a sign or symptom of dehydration, but it most certainly is. The good news is that if you get back into a daily habit of drinking enough water, this symptom will likely subside relatively quickly.

When you’re spending time with your loved one who is aging in place, you will want to keep a close eye on their fluid intake and make sure they are getting enough hydration. Long periods of dehydration can lead to serious medical conditions and if they are not caught early they can be especially detrimental to your loved one’s long-term health.