Summer is upon us and with the change in season comes extreme heat. It is important to take precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. Be mindful of the clothing you are wearing out in the sun; don’t forget your hats and sunscreen. Avoid peak sunlight hours, normally between 10am and 2pm. If you are feeling thirsty or parched it is easy to recognize this as your body needing water. However, as we age that same sense of thirst can diminish over time. Signs of dehydration in the elderly can appear in different ways, making the need for water to go unrecognized, for example, fatigue, dry mouth, muscle cramps, or dizziness.Other indicators of dehydration include rapid weight loss, dry skin, confusion or hallucinations, light-headedness, sunken eyes, flushing, rapid pulse, fever, dark urine, and urinary tract infections. Unfortunately, these symptoms are often overlooked and attributed to aging, medications, or a medical condition, leaving many older adults to become hospitalized.Severe dehydration can have serious health consequences and can even be fatal; it is important to prevent this through good hydration. Don’t like to drink water? You can drink a little at a time throughout the day or try adding a twist of mint, lemon, or lime. Many foods are also very hydrating, so seek out foods high in water content. As a final note, people with certain medical conditions like heart failure may have more specific fluid needs. Be sure to consult with a medical professional before making changes to your diet or liquid intake.Those living in nursing homes may become dehydrated as a result of their environment, or if they are not getting adequate care. If you know someone living in a longterm care facility that may need an advocate or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer advocate contact: Megan Kirby (mkirby@ltcaenid.org) or Steve Torres (storres@ltcaenid.org) at 580-237-2236.
