In-Home Elderly Dehydration Prevention Care | Caregiver Care Services To Avoid The Serious Risk Of Dehydration In The Elderly
At FCP Live-In, dehydration prevention care is one of our most important concerns. Seniors, especially those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related conditions, often face a serious risk of dehydration. Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to monitor an elderly loved one for signs of dehydration, especially if they live alone resulting in a lack of dehydration prevention care that could result in serious consequences. You simply can’t be with your loved one all the time, and they may not even notice symptoms of dehydration until it’s too late. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities have their own issues when it comes to preventing dehydration and may lack quality dehydration prevention care.
At FCP Live-In, we believe all seniors deserve to live with dignity and respect. For more than two decades, we’ve helped thousands of seniors live a safe, independent, and healthy life at home. Our highly-skilled and experienced caregivers understand the importance of proper hydration and know how to optimize our clients’ fluid intake, so your loved one can maintain their independence at home and you can rest easy knowing they’re in good hands.
With FCP Live-In, affordable, live-in, quality dehydration prevention care is now easier than ever.
Let us treat your loved one like family. Call us directly at 1 (866) 559-9492
Why Dehydration is a Problem for the Elderly
Dehydration occurs when fluid output exceeds fluid intake. Drinking enough water is vital for the body to regulate temperature, carry nutrients to the cells, maintain lubrication of the joints, and eliminate waste. As people age, however, they often lose the sensation of thirst and may not be aware that they require more fluids. If an elderly person suffers from mobility issues, they may also find it physically difficult to return to the kitchen time and again to refill their water glass. Dehydration can also be exacerbated by other health issues, including incontinence, any illness that causes vomiting or diarrhea, and the use of certain medications.
Consequences of Dehydration
A dehydrated senior may experience:
- Dry mouth and/or dry skin in the armpit
- High heart rate (usually over 100 beats per minute)
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Delirium/confusion (new or worsening)
- Sunken eyes
- Less frequent urination
- Dark-colored urine
The weakness and dizziness that often accompanies dehydration can make older adults prone to falls. Elderly people who aren’t adequately hydrated are also at risk for serious conditions like kidney stones, urinary tract infection, constipation, and respiratory tract infection. In the worst-case scenario, a dehydrated senior may experience impaired kidney function, and eventually acute kidney failure.
Dehydration in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities rarely do enough to ensure residents’ adequate fluid intake.
In fact, a 2015 study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine suggested these individuals may be in even greater danger of dehydration, especially if they require assistance and may not drink enough fluids on their own.
Nursing home and assisted living residents often don’t receive the personal attention necessary to properly monitor fluid intake or recognize early signs of dehydration. Some older people may have difficulty swallowing or drinking without assistance, while others may not be able to alert staff when they are thirsty.
Poorly staffed facilities will neglect to assess and attend to each resident’s individual hydration needs. Or staff may not recognize the importance of hydration, due to a lack of training on the part of management.
FCP Live-In and Dehydration Prevention Care
If you’re caring for an elderly loved one at home, it can take a great deal of effort to prevent dehydration.
Among other things, you’ll need to closely monitor their fluid intake, including the consumption of high-water-content foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and soups. You may also have to coax your loved one to drink enough water throughout the day and even assist them in drinking and eating. And you’ll need to recognize subtle signs and symptoms, so you can spot dehydration before your loved one takes a turn for the worse.
All of this is challenging in the best of circumstances. But if you work and can’t be present at all times, it’s nearly impossible.
In fact, issues like these are why 57% of family caregivers employed either full or part-time reported going in late, leaving early, or taking time off because of their caregiving responsibilities. Another 18% switched from full time to part-time; 16% took a leave of absence; 8% turned down a promotion; and 1 in 6 quit working entirely.
LINK: http://act.alz.org/
Fortunately, there is a better way!
FCP Live-In caregivers will ensure that all of your loved one’s nutritional and hydration needs are fully met, every single day – in the comfort and security of home. The only change will be getting to know the caregiver. With the right match, a compassionate caregiver may even become a best friend!
We can provide this care, in most circumstances, at every stage of the aging process and throughout end of life, in conjunction with your loved one’s other medical providers.
At FCP Live-In, we know who we are sending into your home. Our caregivers undergo a strict screening and hiring process, are fully certified, and receive continuous training in dehydration prevention and other areas vital to ensuring their clients enjoy the highest quality of life possible.
We understand that families depend on our expertise to provide quality care and experiences. If you’re ready to explore the BEST solution for dehydration prevention care, call 1 (866) 559-9492.
About FCP Live-In And Dehydration Prevention Care
We have provided the ultimate solution for affordable assisted elderly dehydration prevention care services since 1997. Our live-in senior dehydration prevention care services agency is committed to providing a unique and customized In-Home elderly dehydration prevention care services approach to senior care with the goal of a lifestyle that provides enjoyment for the one in care, and families with peace of mind.
FCP Live-In is a Live-In Home Care company with over two decades of experience specializing in elderly care needs within the home. Our live-in caregiver staff provides an insurance policy of safe and supportive care, along with a 24/7 professional support system that is there for the client and the live-in caregiver at all times.
For more information about our elderly / senior dehydration prevention services care contact FCP Live-In today at 1 (866) 559-9492 or please fill out the form below.
LINK: https://www.medscape.com/
LINK: https://www.nursingtimes.net/
LINK: https://journals.sagepub.com/
FCP Live-In Testimonials
– John M. (Son) – Bennington, VT
– Geraldine D. (Daughter) – Bridgeport, CT
– Paul G. (Son) – Lewiston, ME