It’s summertime, and the living is easy. Except for places with warm climates where dehydration is a real concern. As we age, declining kidney function and our inability to recognize thirst both contribute to increased risk of dehydration. Not only that, but those who have a difficult time getting around are a lot less likely to get up for a glass of water, even if they do feel thirsty. Without anyone to provide in-home care for seniors and to watch them for the symptoms of dehydration, the most vulnerable members of your family might be at risk.
In the elderly, signs to watch for include loss of skin elasticity, dry mouth, lack of tears, and low urine output. As a sign of further decline, you might notice your relative is confused, or appears weaker than normal. With scary symptoms like those, it’s no wonder dehydration is one of the top ten causes for hospitalization among Medicare patients.
Getting enough to drink is only part of the solution. It’s important to get sufficient amounts of electrolytes as well. Fruits and fruit juices are good sources of electrolytes, as are sports drinks. The best defense, though, is to provide in-home care for seniors who might be at risk. Having a personal attendant on hand who knows what to watch for will not only help reduce the risk of a potential life-threatening illness, but it will ease your worry and make summertime more enjoyable for everyone.
In fact, qualified in-home caregivers can handle just about anything you would do for your own family, if you could be there. In the case of hospital aftercare, for example, senior helpers can transport your loved one to follow-up visits with doctors and specialists, fill new prescriptions, make sure your older relative understands how to take them, and ensure he or she is recovering as expected. Most importantly, in-home caregivers are able to see any potential setbacks and take action to avoid additional hospital stays.
Senior helpers aren’t just the patient’s advocate; they’re your eyes and ears when you’re far away. Make sure you stay in touch with your loved one’s caregiver so they can inform you about any changes in routine or behavior, and most of all, to ease your worries. After all, when you can’t be there, in-home personal attendants are the next best thing.
We welcome the opportunity to help you and your loved ones within our service area, which is North San Diego County. You can find out more about us by visiting our website at A Servant’s Heart Senior Care.
Tags: in-home care, personal attendants, senior care, senior health