Water is essential for every person’s survival. Even drinking less than 5% of our daily required water intake can lead to dehydration. First, the body begins to move water out of the organs and into the bloodstream. As this water exits vital organs, people begin to experience mood shifts, increased fatigue, and reduced cognitive ability. However, merely drinking water is not enough- we must be properly hydrated. Hydration occurs when water is actually taken into the cells, which requires electrolytes found in vitamins and minerals.
Dehydration in nursing homes speaks to an even greater at-risk population. Over half of patients can be considered dehydrated, especially because most struggle to orally ingest water, including those with wounds, infections, and malnutrition risks. Elders are often on a lot of medications, like anti-depressants, anti-diabetics, and anticonvulsants. All of these medications are known to deplete fluids from a person’s body and leave them at a higher risk of dehydration. Some might also have blood conditions that prevent effective hydration, including elevated hemoglobin, low potassium, and elevated sodium.
Many elders are completely unaware they are dehydrated. Their cognitive decline can render them incapable of communicating their needs to their caretakers. As a person ages, their body is less quick to display signs of dehydration. Their kidneys are less able to concentrate urine, so larger amounts of water are needed to flush out their system. All of these compounding factors can lead to some awful effects of dehydration, including increased risk of falls, prolonged recovery from injury, longer hospital stays, and higher mortality rates.
Source: DriptIV.com
