Elderly Dehydration

Older adults face a higher risk of dehydration than younger people. That is why it is crucial for family members and caregivers to be able to spot the signs of dehydration in the elderly. However, the signs and symptoms of dehydration in older adults may not be immediately obvious. Unfortunately, not drinking enough water and fluids can have a dramatic effect on an elderly person’s body. Here, we want to provide some information about dehydration in older adults, particularly risk factors, causes, and symptoms of dehydration. We also want to discuss how to prevent and treat dehydration in older adults.

Causes of Dehydration in the Elderly

Dehydration is more common in elderly adults for a variety of reasons. This includes the following:

Reduced sense of thirst. The aging process can weaken the body’s ability to signal that it does not have enough fluid, which means that older adults may not feel as thirsty as younger people do.
Limited mobility. Older adults who have difficulty getting around on their own may be less likely to get up and get the fluids they need.
Multiple medications. There are various medications, particularly diuretics, that increase urination and the risk of dehydration.
Health conditions. Uncontrolled kidney disease or diabetes can increase the risk of dehydration in elderly adults.
Common illnesses. More common illnesses such as a sore throat or a cold could lead to an older adult not drinking as much fluids as they need. Additionally, vomiting and diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration in elderly adults.
Cognitive impairment. Older adults who have dementia or Alzheimer’s often need to be reminded to drink fluids to keep them hydrated.
Neglect. There are times when family members or caregivers fail to provide necessary fluids to an elderly adult. This may be considered neglect – a form of elder abuse.

Symptoms of Dehydration in the Elderly

The symptoms of dehydration in an elderly adult may be difficult to recognize. If you think that an elderly relative may be dehydrated, you can do a quick check for a decrease in the elasticity of the skin or skin turgor. You can do this by pulling on the skin on the back of the elderly adult’s hand for a few seconds. If the skin does not return to normal almost immediately after you release it, this could be a sign that they are dehydrated.

There are various other signs of dehydration in elderly adults that are commonly mistaken as the natural processes of aging. This can include:

Fatigue
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Muscle cramps
Sunken eyes
Less frequent urination
Dark-colored urine

Additionally, more serious signs and symptoms of dehydration can include a rapid heart rate, confusion, or difficulty walking.

Complications of Dehydration in the Elderly

Dehydration can lead to severe complications for an elderly person. Unfortunately, dehydration and malnourishment can ultimately lead to severe illnesses or even death. Some of the most severe complications of dehydration in the elderly include:

Brain swelling. If an individual drinks too much fluid after they have already been dehydrated, their brain cells may attempt to store fluid too quickly. This can cause a rupture in the brain cells.
Kidney failure. Dehydration in an older person can prevent the kidneys from getting rid of the waste in the bloodstream, and this can lead to a person suffering from kidney failure.
Seizures. An elderly person who is dehydrated may lose consciousness or even have a seizure.
Coma. If dehydration is severe enough, an elderly person may sustain irreversible health complications leading to a coma.

Dehydration in Elderly Treatment

Treatment for dehydration is always going to involve replacing the fluids that have been lost. For mild to moderate dehydration, this may involve simply drinking water or other fluids, including soup broths or juices.

However, for more severe cases of dehydration, treatment may require hospitalization. This will certainly need to be the case if a doctor recommends replacing fluids intravenously. Often, severe dehydration can result in a loss of electrolytes along with water. Electrolytes can be replaced both intravenously as well as with different types of drinks such as Pedialyte or sports drinks.

Preventing Dehydration in the Elderly

It is crucial that caregivers take steps to prevent dehydration in elderly adults. Some of the most helpful prevention tips include the following:

Encouraging the elderly adult to drink water even if they are not thirsty.
Encouraging the older adult to drink water several times a day, including when they wake up, between meals, and after any physical activity.
Keeping a bottle of water nearby if the elderly adult has mobility issues.
Providing foods with high water content, including fruits, vegetables, and various soups.
Having the elderly person drink a full glass of water when they take their medications.
Checking the color of urine output. The lighter the color, the better.
Bring water anytime you go somewhere.

Dehydration in Nursing Homes

We depend on nursing homes to keep our loved ones safe. Unfortunately, there are times when the staff in a nursing home facility fail to properly do their job. Dehydration in a nursing home setting is one of the signs of elder abuse and neglect. If your loved one lives in a nursing home or assisted living facility and you notice the signs and symptoms of dehydration that we mentioned above, you need to ensure that your loved one receives medical care immediately. We strongly encourage that you look for other signs and symptoms of abuse, including physical more sexual abuse, as neglect is often associated with other types of nursing home abuse.

If you suspect that your elderly loved one has been a victim of neglect or abuse, contact the team at Siegel Law today. Our qualified and experienced Anaheim elder neglect lawyer understand that dehydration may just be one sign or symptom of a larger neglect or abuse problem. We will investigate your case and helped secure any justice and compensation your loved one is entitled to. You can contact us for a free consultation of your case by calling (562) 454-0353.