Summer is coming in hot–literally! With temperatures rising, it’s important to understand how to take care of your loved ones who may not be able to communicate their needs to you. Seniors with memory challenges often struggle with being able to tell you if they are overheating, which is why dehydration becomes such an issue for them. They may simply forget to drink because they are not as sensitive to thirst, or they may have difficulty remembering the complete process of how to get a drink, such as turning on the faucet, where to get a cup, or how to get the water in the cup. In addition to being dehydrating, the heat can make your loved ones experience discomfort and distress. Here are some tips and tricks from Belleview Heights Assisted Living and Memory Care community in Aurora, CO, on how to make sure your loved one stays cool and comfortable this summer.
It’s extremely important to recognize when your loved one is dehydrated so that you can help them get the fluids that their body needs to function correctly. Although they may struggle to let you know when they need something to drink, or just don’t know they need it, there are multiple signs and symptoms that you can look out for to recognize when they’re dehydrated. Increased confusion and changes in usual behavior are often the first signs of dehydration. Other signs related to lack of hydration include:
Dehydration can have many negative effects on the body, and it’s more common in the summer. It’s necessary to be proactive when it comes to keeping your loved one with dementia hydrated–don’t assume they will ask for a drink.
Here are tips to help prevent your loved one with memory loss from becoming dehydrated:
Not only are seniors with memory challenges prone to becoming dehydrated because of the summer heat, but they may also experience discomfort and not be able to articulate why or resolve the issue themselves. Here are 5 tips to help your loved one enjoy the summer heat while staying comfortable and avoiding overheating:
Be sure to keep these tips and tricks in mind to help your loved one stay cool and comfortable this summer!
To learn more about residency or to schedule a tour of Belleview Heights, contact our friendly team today.