Articles

Keeping your client hydrated

20/03/2017

Even in the UK where it is often colder than it is hot, there is a possibility that your client may suffer from dehydration.

In the warmer months, it is easier to keep drinking water, but in winter it becomes more of a challenge to ensure that your client has a decent daily intake of water.

Not drinking enough water will cause unwanted issues such as complications from existing diseases and chronic constipation.

The best fluid to give your client is water. This is easier said than done sometimes! Flavouring water with lemon or lime juice may encourage your client to drink a little more.

Older clients may be at risk for dehydration due to a variety of reasons.

Age: the older we get, the less water there is in the body, and therefore it is more difficult for the kidneys to maintain healthy fluid levels. 

Older people have less thirst sensations than younger people, they do not realise that they need fluid because they don’t think they are thirsty. That is the reason why your older client needs to constantly be reminded to drink – they don’t feel thirsty! 

Disease related: some diseases like COPD, UTI and pneumonia mean that there is an increased need for fluids in the body. 
Things like strokes and renal problems mean that there is a change in the function of hormones which regulate the fluid balance of the body. 

An excessive amount of vomiting will increase the risk of dehydration, as will certain medications for diabetes and congestive heart disease. 

Be sure to check with the GP as to the side effects of these medications and obtain a guidance program for the amount of fluid intake which is needed.

Phychosocial reasons: your elderly client may be unable to drink without assistance and therefore be reliant on you to help them. In this case, they will often not want to bother you to help them because you are busy. 

Your client may also have the notion that the more they drink, the greater chance there is for incontinence. Both these situations will place your client at greater risk for dehydration.

How do you know your client is becoming dehydrated? 

The signs of dehydration are nausea, lethargy, headaches, vomiting and dizziness. If any of these do not clear up within a few days, then you should call the GP or District Nurse to assess the situation.

Keep a track of how much your client drinks each day. A simple way is to place the water or juice in a measuring jug in the fridge, and keep it for your client’s use only.
For most people, whether young or old – the importance of the daily fluid intake cannot be stressed enough. Dehydration is a very unpleasant situation for elderly people, but it can normally be prevented with a few simple choices. Prevention is certainly better than cure!