Dehydration in nursing homes is a serious problem where over 50% of patients are affected by. There are some serious health repercussions from not drinking enough water. Fluid is diverted from essential organs to the bloodstream during even mild dehydration, which can damage cognitive abilities, cause mood instability, and lead to fatigue. It can also cause higher mortality rates if not addressed sufficiently. Therefore, it is important for caretakers to be trained in recognizing the signs of dehydration and being vigilant about their patients drinking enough water.
Dehydration is more prevalent in elderly patients for several reasons. They are often taking medications, such as anti-diabetes or anti-depression meds, that can make it more difficult to retain fluid. Seniors that are experiencing cognitive decline may struggle with recognizing the signs of dehydration and flagging it to their caretakers. They also need higher levels of water because their aging kidneys need more water to flush out their concentrated urine.
Source: DriptIV.com
