Elderly Dehydration
Older adults face a higher risk of dehydration than younger people. That is why it is crucial for family members and caregivers to be able to spot the signs of dehydration in the elderly. However, the signs and symptoms of dehydration in older adults may not be immediately obvious. Unfortunately, not drinking enough water and fluids can have a dramatic effect on an elderly person’s body. Here, we want to provide some information about dehydration in older adults, particularly risk factors, causes, and symptoms of dehydration. We also want to discuss how to prevent and treat dehydration in older adults.
Causes of Dehydration in the Elderly
Dehydration is more common in elderly adults for a variety of reasons. This includes the following:
- Reduced sense of thirst. The aging process can weaken the body’s ability to signal that it does not have enough fluid, which means that older adults may not feel as thirsty as younger people do.
- Limited mobility. Older adults who have difficulty getting around on their own may be less likely to get up and get the fluids they need.
- Multiple medications. There are various medications, particularly diuretics, that increase urination and the risk of dehydration.
- Health conditions. Uncontrolled kidney disease or diabetes can increase the risk of dehydration in elderly adults.
- Common illnesses. More common illnesses such as a sore throat or a cold could lead to an older adult not drinking as much fluids as they need. Additionally, vomiting and diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration in elderly adults.
- Cognitive impairment. Older adults who have dementia or Alzheimer’s often need to be reminded to drink fluids to keep them hydrated.
- Neglect. There are times when family members or caregivers fail to provide necessary fluids to an elderly adult. This may be considered neglect – a form of elder abuse.
If you think your elderly loved one has suffered neglect or abuse, do not wait to act. Whether the abuse occurred in a nursing home, residential care facility, or private home, our Orange County elder abuse attorneys will conduct the necessary investigations and gather the information needed to bring those responsible to justice.
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Preventing Dehydration in the Elderly
It is crucial that caregivers take steps to prevent dehydration in elderly adults. Some of the most helpful prevention tips include the following:
- Encouraging the elderly adult to drink water even if they are not thirsty.
- Encouraging the older adult to drink water several times a day, including when they wake up, between meals, and after any physical activity.
- Keeping a bottle of water nearby if the elderly adult has mobility issues.
- Providing foods with high water content, including fruits, vegetables, and various soups.
- Having the elderly person drink a full glass of water when they take their medications.
- Checking the color of urine output. The lighter the color, the better.
- Bring water anytime you go somewhere.
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Pressure sores, also called bed sores and pressure ulcers, are a common sign of nursing home abuse or neglect. They are caused by unrelieved pressure on the skin. Bed sores typically appear near areas where the bones are close to the skin: the hips, back, elbows, and ankles. When pressure sores first show up, they’re just skin irritation. With prompt treatment, they typically have no lasting effects. When not treated quickly, however, later stages can result in serious damage not only to the skin but also to muscle and bone.
The greatest tragedy of pressure sores is that they are relatively easy to prevent. Regular movement of a person restricted to a bed or wheelchair can help avoid pressure sores. Someone who must remain in bed should be moved about every two hours. The use of a pressure-reducing mattress can help. A proper diet, cleanliness, and daily exercise all help prevent pressure sores and eliminate the serious harm that can accompany them.
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The answer is no. Siegel Law takes all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that our clients owe the firm nothing for expenses unless they are awarded a monetary settlement or we receive a favorable verdict at trial. All expenses will be deducted from the settlement or jury verdict. Not a dime will be taken out of your pocket.
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If you suspect that abuse has occurred, know that you are not alone and do not have to suffer in silence. Trust yourself and follow your instincts. First of all, contact the California Department of Social Services, Adult Protective Services (APS). This is a government agency specifically charged with licensing, certifying, and overseeing nursing homes and similar facilities. They are in charge of investigating reports of abuse, so making a report to them is the best place to start.
Once you have contacted them, call us at Siegel Law. We have years of experience handling these kinds of cases and will sit down with you for free and help you understand your options going forward. It is easy to become overwhelmed in this situation, which is why our Orange County elder abuse lawyers offer guidance to those who need it.
Dehydration in Nursing Homes
We depend on nursing homes to keep our loved ones safe. Unfortunately, there are times when the staff in a nursing home facility fail to properly do their job. Dehydration in a nursing home setting is one of the signs of elder abuse and neglect. If your loved one lives in a nursing home or assisted living facility and you notice the signs and symptoms of dehydration that we mentioned above, you need to ensure that your loved one receives medical care immediately. We strongly encourage that you look for other signs and symptoms of abuse, including physical more sexual abuse, as neglect is often associated with other types of nursing home abuse.
If you suspect that your elderly loved one has been a victim of neglect or abuse, contact the team at Travis Siegel today. Our qualified and experienced Anaheim elder neglect lawyer understand that dehydration may just be one sign or symptom of a larger neglect or abuse problem. We will investigate your case and helped secure any justice and compensation your loved one is entitled to.
You can contact us for a free consultation of your case by calling (562) 454-0353.
