Q: My husband has dementia, and I have trouble getting him to drink enough water. How can I help keep him hydrated in the hot weather?
A: People with dementia can easily become dehydrated because they may not recognize thirst in the same way. They may forget to drink fluids, not feel thirsty, or even have incontinence troubles that make them hesitant to drink too many fluids for fear of having an accident. As dementia progresses, the person may also have difficulty understanding how to drink liquids.
Yet, hydration is crucial for individuals with dementia. Without proper hydration, it can increase dementia symptoms, risk of falls, and even affect the way medications work.
There are lots of ways you can try to increase your loved one’s fluid intake. Offer different options besides only water. A diluted fruit juice, tea, lemonade, or other drinks may be more appealing.
Add to meals broths and foods with higher water content. Consider incorporating foods like watermelon, oranges, cucumbers, and popsicles. There is also a product called Jelly Drops, which are water-based sweets containing electrolytes in them. You can get hydrated from many different means besides water, so be creative and try out other options.
Try to reduce or eliminate fluids that can increase dehydration, such as coffee and alcohol.
Always have a drink in sight for your loved one. Try out different cup options that may look bright and enticing. Consider a clear cup so they can see the liquid inside. Try different types of straws and handles and observe what seems the easiest for your loved one to use and drink from correctly.
Try to make drinking fun. For example, take your cup and cheers with your husband before taking a drink. He may mimic what you are doing, give cheers to you, and drink as well.
If you are concerned, consult with your doctor or a dietitian. They can assess your loved one, ensure there are no other issues affecting hydration, and help you understand the amount of fluid intake they need each day.
If you find that your loved one is having difficulty swallowing, ask for his swallowing to be evaluated and discuss the option of using thickened fluids to support swallowing.
The effects of dehydration can lead to the development of a urinary tract infection (UTI). In people with dementia, UTIs can be challenging to assess. They may appear like a sudden change in behavior or an increase in the symptoms of dementia. If you notice a change in your loved one, be sure to take them for assessment. Treatment can reverse the sudden onset of new behaviors.
As we enter the height of the summer months, keep your loved one in a cool environment and dressed in breathable, loose-fitting clothing. Look for signs of dehydration, such as dizziness, agitation, dry mouth, or dark-colored urine.
Your loved one with dementia may not be able to tell you what they need or what they are experiencing. It takes extra attention to maintain hydration and keep them safe and healthy throughout the year, but especially in the summer.
Caregiving can be challenging, and sometimes there is a lot of trial and error involved in figuring out what works best. Seek support and remember to take care of yourself. You are doing your best to care for your loved one, and you deserve all the support and praise in return.
Martha Shapiro can be reached at Senior Concerns at 805-497-0189 or by email at mshapiro@seniorconcerns.org.
