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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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@babbsjoy, I added your question to the Chronic Kidney Disease support group as well to get their tips.
This must be so hard. Like they say, you can bring a horse to water, but you can't make them drink. I can see that you have been very creative in trying to encourage your dad to drink. Despite that effort, he's not meeting you halfway. He gets annoyed. You're drained and at your wit's end. What a carousel!
It bears repeating. This is hard.
Am I correct in assuming he understands the importance of hydration from both you and from his nephrologist? Is he also declining to take some of his meds?
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1 Reaction@colleenyoung
Thank you for expanding the topic. So far he has not declined to take any of his meds. He just complains about taking them, or is annoyed to. But he takes them. And yes, he understands the importance of hydration.
. I’m just trying to figure out how to make hydration less of a chore and more enjoyable…..
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1 Reaction@babbsjoy Well, I am on a laundry list of meds and know firsthand just how tiresome it can be. Staring at a handful of pills of different colors/sizes/reasons just isn't my cup of tea.
Crushed ice in a glass of water is actually refreshing to the palate. Maybe add a packet of True Lemon, which is actually crystallized lemon. They also make True Lime and True Orange, same thing. It gives a bit of a taste but not overwhelming.
Hydration is such a key factor in kidney health. As you said, too much is no good, not enough is no good. I really think it is a balancing act each day, depending on weather, activity level, diet. Is your dad on dialysis, as that may play a part also. Most good nephrologists will tell you to drink before you are thirsty. If you wait until your body says, "drink", you've waited too long!
Ginger
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1 Reaction@gingerw
Thanks Ginger! I will try your flavor suggestions! (He is not on dialysis). And I am sorry you are on the tedious road of meds too! (I have serious osteoporosis of the spine and know that I am blessed to have access to meds—but it is an injection in the belly. I don’t always feel grateful when I know I need to do it before I go to bed, so I get it, at least a little bit! Plus it is probably tedious for him to have his daughter showing up with meds all the time, as well!)