Why Staying Hydrated Is Essential for Seniors

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Is Staying Hydrated Essential for Seniors in Montgomery, AL

Aging adults often face a number of health problems due to inadequate water intake. Staying hydrated every day boosts health and wellbeing in seniors and helps them prevent an array of illnesses. Here are a few reasons your aging loved one should stay hydrated.

Process Medication

When medications are filtered through the kidneys or liver, seniors may have to drink more water to stay healthy. Daily water intake protects organs from permanent damage, prevents certain medical conditions such as kidney stones, and enables the body to better absorb the medications.

Boost Mental Health

Cognitive decline is a part of aging, but it can be staved off with some lifestyle changes, such as drinking at least eight full cups of water every day. If your loved one has a difficult time drinking enough water, try serving him or her ice chips or caffeine-free tea. Fresh produce is also an excellent source of water, and the additional nutrients can further boost your loved one’s cognitive health.

Hydration is especially important for boosting cognitive function in seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Even when families have the best intentions, caring for a senior loved one with dementia can be challenging. Fortunately, Home Care Assistance is here to help. We are a leading provider of dementia care. Montgomery families can take advantage of our flexible and customizable care plans, and our caregivers always stay up to date on the latest developments in senior care.

Fight Fatigue

Water is as important for your loved one’s energy levels as food, and chronic dehydration can impact his or her motivation. Dehydration can make the heart work harder to pump blood throughout your loved one’s body. This is one of the many reasons many athletes drink water to boost their energy levels before reaching for snacks.

Regular physical activity is essential for helping seniors maintain healthy energy levels, and a home caregiver can help your loved one exercise safely. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of in-home care. You can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.

Prevent Obesity

A study at the University of Michigan Medical School shows that dehydrated people tend to have higher obesity rates than those who are properly hydrated. Having a glass of water every few hours can enhance metabolism and suppress appetite. Drinking water just before a meal also reduces the risk of overeating fatty and sugar-laden foods.

As a family caregiver, you should make it a point to ensure your loved one is drinking enough water daily. If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality home care service, Montgomery Home Care Assistance can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at (334) 593-3988. 

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