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How do you encourage adequate hydration?
Dad is 94 and has Chronic Kidney Disease and heart issues, amongst other things. It seems like he just will not hydrate without being prompted now, except for coffee. His health situation is now one where we are walking a fine fragile line of adequate hydration, versus his body retaining liquids and having to use water pills, then fighting dehydration and lower BP (after hospitalization with fluids, where we are now, is especially challenging). For a long time he stayed in balance by my taking him a particular portion of water with each med time, he would drink it all each time and then that, plus his usual amount of coffee, would measure up to the amount his nephrologist gave for daily fluid including coffee per day. I could spread out the meds throughout the day, so he received hydration fairly evenly through the day this way. Then he started not finishing the water when taking the med, and drinking more coffee. Now he is very annoyed when given any expectation of hydration (and is expressing annoyance at taking meds as well, even though he currently has to take fewer and I have combined some of the times so he isn’t bothered by taking something so frequently. But then, I have to make up for the hydration part of that by offering something just to consume.) I am trying things like making lactose free milkshakes, Italian ice, zero sugar fruit juice, watermelon and grapes, soup, etc. Seems to help but he is also a guy that quickly gets tired of something after having it a couple of times, so I am running out of new ideas for rotation! He has to really watch salt and potassium because of the kidney situation, so no coconut water, liquid iv, or sports drinks are allowed. I really hate to nag, and find it’s so stressful setting my phone alarm to remind me to take him something interesting to encourage hydration throughout the day. And of course, he finds it beyond irritating even if I do it with a “light” attitude of “Here, thought you might enjoy this.” (Because he knows the doc has said hydration is an issue so he sees through what I’m doing.) Any ideas?
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Warm Tea w/ a bit of Honey during the colder times of the year and Ice Tea w/ some Honey in the warm weather is both enjoyable and healthy.
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2 ReactionsMy mom was 94 when she passed. She was a U. S. Marine Corps veteran, and very stubborn. She said, "I'm done, I lived my life, don't tell me what to do. I'm headed out!" My heart goes out to you because we do everything to try and make them comfortable. They, like ourselves, will find this time of life to be uncomfortable. 94 for a man is amazing. You are doing all you can. If you don't already have help, maybe you can call hospice or the hospital to get a person to give you a break. I know it's hard to have a stranger come into the home, but I was a hospice worker and we can give you a break and help soothe your situation so you can care for yourself more. Your father is so fortunate to have you. He knows.
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3 Reactions@pta
Thank you for your kind words. God really used you today as an encourager! Dad is currently in the rehab wing of a SNF, after many health issues including a spinal compression fracture, a bad fall, another hospitalization, etc Started strong but now not doing well. Hospice has come up. I am here every day, for much of the day. He, of course, is the priority but I am having all the feelings and you helped. Thank you and God Bless.
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1 ReactionI have a different issue but also unsure how to proceed. Doctor has recommended oxygen for husband at night. He has congestive heart failure and dementia. His doctor thought it might help not be so fatigued during the day. He starts off when he goes to bed with several repeated questions about is it really working and I assist him to place the canula. When he gets up during the night to use the restroom he takes it off or sits on the side of the bed asking again if it is working and he gets stirred up. He does not put it back on when he gets back in bed. He does not keep it on the entire night. Is he getting benefit or is it disturbing his sleep? The concentrator also makes noise. I am questioning if I should continue to encouage him to use. It has not helped his fatigue.
Ohhh, it is difficult to get an elderly person to hydrate! Great that he enjoys coffee; I walked this path with my 96 yr old father; I found the 8,oz. Bottled water was easier for him and helped track fluid intake. Watermelon is great.
I’m now on this path with my 76 yr old husband who refuses water, is post-stroke and only drinks Diet Pepsi now. He is currently in the hospital on IV
fluids for low unregulated blood pressure. I, too, prepare watermelon and other fruits. he does like mandarin orange cups with no added sugars. Would he try iced coffee? Wishing you all the best. it is not an easy path!
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