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Zip Codes Served 64012, 64014, 64015, 64016, 64018, 64024, 64028, 64029, 64030, 64034, 64048, 64050, 64052, 64053, 64054, 64055, 64056, 64057, 64058, 64060, 64062, 64063, 64064, 64068, 64075, 64077, 64078, 64079, 64081, 64082, 64083, 64086, 64088, 64089, 64098, 64101, 64102, 64105, 64106, 64108, 64109, 64110, 64111, 64112, 64113, 64114, 64116, 64117, 64118, 64119, 64120, 64123, 64124, 64125, 64126, 64127, 64128, 64129, 64130, 64131, 64132, 64133, 64134, 64136, 64137, 64138, 64139, 64145, 64146, 64147, 64149, 64150, 64151, 64152, 64153, 64154, 64155, 64156, 64157, 64158, 64161, 64163, 64164, 64165, 64166, 64167, 64401, 64421, 64422, 64427, 64429, 64430, 64436, 64439, 64440, 64443, 64444, 64448, 64454, 64457, 64459, 64463, 64465, 64469, 64474, 64477, 64480, 64483, 64484, 64485, 64490, 64492, 64493, 64494, 64497, 64501, 64503, 64504, 64505, 64506, 64507, 64657, 64670, 64734, 66002, 66027, 66090, 66101, 66102, 66104, 66115

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Dehydration:  Recognizing this Danger in Seniors                                                                                                          

By Kerri Dean

It's important for caregivers to recognize and learn ways to prevent dehydration in older adults. This is a danger that many times comes as a hidden risk.

Recognizing Dehydration Symptoms

Those caring for elderly persons should watch for these signs of dehydration:

Mild Dehydration Symptoms

 Dryness of mouth; dry tongue with thick saliva

 Unable to urinate or pass only small amounts of urine; dark or deep yellow urine

 Cramping in limbs

 Headaches

 Crying but with few or no tears

 Weakness, general feeling of being unwell

 Sleepiness or irritability

More Serious Dehydration Symptoms

• Low blood pressure

• Convulsions

• Severe cramping and muscle contractions in limbs, back and stomach

• Bloated stomach

• Rapid but weak pulse

• Dry and sunken eyes with few or no tears

• Wrinkled skin; no elasticity

• Breathing faster than normal

Dehydration in seniors is often due in part of lack of water consumption.  Although this is the most obvious cause, there are other risk factors that may not be so apparent such as diarrhea, excessive sweating, loss of blood, diseases such as diabetes, as well as a side effect of prescribed medication like diuretics. Aging itself makes people less aware of thirst and gradually lowers the body’s ability to regulate its fluid balance.

Older adults may lack the ability to be aware of and respond to thirst.   As studies have shown, older people do not feel thirsty as quickly as younger people do. This increases the chances of them consuming less water and consequently suffering dehydration.

Less body fluids, lower kidney function

As we age our body loses water. Until about age 40, the proportion of total body fluids to body weight is about 60% in men and 52% in women (the gender difference is due to greater muscle mass and lower body fat in men compared to women; muscle cells contain more water than fat cells). After age 60, the proportion goes down to 52% in men and 46% in women. The reason for the decline is the loss of muscle mass as one ages and a corresponding increase in fat cells.

In addition, the kidneys’ ability to remove toxins from the blood progressively declines with age. Therefore, the kidneys are not as efficient in concentrating urine in less water, thus older people lose more water.

If dehydration is not identified and treated, the consequences to health are significant, including reduced or loss of consciousness, rapid but weak pulse, and lowered blood pressure. It is important to rehydrate as quickly as possible as, the situation can become life-threatening.  Be sure you keep an eye out for the signs listed above and if you see your elderly loved one experiencing any of them, encourage them to start drinking fluids.  If they are having difficult time-consuming liquids, a visit to a doctor or emergency room may be in order.

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This information is provided by CarePatrol of Kansas City, a senior housing placement agency that serves the Baltimore city and county areas. If you or your loved ones needs to find a new home, consider talking to a CarePatrol housing placement specialist. They will sit down with you, assess your needs and financial situation, and offer the best options they can find. They are also available for tours and guidance during your final search. You can contact a specialist at (816) 673-2507 or Tonyah@CarePatrol.com. Also find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CarePatrolKansasCity.