@jbug25
I know a lot of time has passed since the hydration discussion. I have had the same struggle with my father. I discussed it with many docs and nurses and although I received hydration goals (ie how much he should consume to stay hydrated while not overdoing and causing congestive heart failure), all anyone suggested (besides the IV, which he was adverse to and the doc later decided wouldn’t be a good idea for him given some other health issues) was a thermos filled with what he should drink in a day and have him drink it throughout the day. Many reasons why that wouldn’t and didn’t work in his case. I tried putting small bottles of drinks and just enough Keurig coffees in his Keurig drawer all of which added up to the amount he was suppose to have, together, and telling him what was there was his goal. Didn’t work without my constant monitoring and nagging. Not sure why I didn’t think before, and probably others already have, but the perfect solution dawned on me one day . Dad has to take meds about six to seven times a day, throughout the day (and some I can purposely space out to accommodate a more even hydration schedule ). I fill a plastic cup with about five ounces of water and give it to him each time I take him meds. He has committed to drinking it all every time I provide it. If he ever seems like he isn’t going to finish it, I wait to take the cup back, explaining that we are wasting too many by not reusing them more than once (he just throws them away or stacks them in his room).That gives him a minimum of about 30-35 of the 50 or so ounces the doc wants him to have a day, consistently and spread out through the day and evening—which was another facet of this. The rest he can make up with coffees he serves himself through the day from the Keurig, or small juice he has in case he is thirsty other than the med hydrations. It has been such a blessing! This and being more conservative with sodium foods has resulted in some really positive changes. Hope this helps. Of course, my dad needs me to take care of his meds as he can no longer do it—it may be different for you if you aren’t the one dispensing!