Dehydration is a very common, yet often poorly diagnosed, condition among older adults because of the vulnerable nature of physiological changes related to ageing (Reis da Silva, 2024a). With ageing, there is a decline in the sensation of thirst, while the kidneys also become less efficient, affecting mechanisms for water conservation in the body. These typical changes, along with factors such as cognitive impairments, limited mobility, and certain medications, may set dehydration on a more chronic course in both nursing homes and hospital settings. Putting all these factors together creates a combination of issues that complicates addressing the challenge of dehydration in older adults. For example, elderly people who are cognitively impaired due to dementia may either not remember to drink or might not be aware of their bodies' fluid requirements. Access to water can also be limited by reduced mobility, as patients, especially those in institutionalised settings, rely on others for daily activities (Reis da Silva, 2024b). In addition, urinary and faecal fluid losses are the common side effects of medications that elderly patients usually take, including diuretics and laxatives, further increasing the risk of dehydration (Reis da Silva, 2024c).
The results of dehydration in this population are severe: older adults are highly susceptible to urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and confusion. Furthermore, dehydration contributes to the risk of falls, a major public health concern for older adults, and may also complicate chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Despite these risks, dehydration often remains unrecognised until it has already created significant health problems.
Nurses are at the forefront of professionals in the prevention and management of dehydration among elderly patients (Reis da Silva, 2024a). Indeed, this requires continuous monitoring and early interventions. It would be appropriate for nurses to monitor fluid intake, watch out for early signs of dehydration like dry mouth, confusion, and reduced urine output, and quickly rehydrate the patient. They can also educate caregivers and patients about the benefits of hydration, ensuring easy access to water and frequent reminders to drink fluids among their cared-for older adults. Offering hydrating foods such as fruits, soups, and herbal teas is another simple but effective strategy.
Prevention of dehydration in the elderly can best be done in an individualised manner, with a proactive approach to the particular needs of the patient. The nurse, through his/her close, almost daily contacts with the elderly patient, is in an especially advantageous position to institute these measures and therefore goes a long way in greatly improving the health and well-being of such a vulnerable population. Educating, monitoring, and intervening in a timely fashion are ways that a nurse can reduce the risk of dehydration to make sure the hydration levels of the older adult remain optimized, as well as their quality of life.
External links:
Reis da Silva, T. (2023) Falls assessment and prevention in the nursing home and community. British Journal of Community Nursing 2023 28:2, 68-72
Reis da Silva TH (2024) Understanding body fluid balance, dehydration and intravenous fluid therapy. Emergency Nurse. doi:10.7748/en.2024.e2201
Reis da Silva, T. H. (2024). Falls prevention in older people and the role of nursing. British Journal of Community Nursing, 29(7), 335–339. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjcn.2024.0005
Reis da Silva, T.H. (2024). Chronic kidney disease in older adults: nursing implications for community nurses. Journal of Kidney Care. 9(4). 174-179. https://doi.org/10.12968/jokc.2024.9.4.174
Reis da Silva, T.H. (2024) Pharmacokinetics in older people: an overview of prescribing practice. Journal of Prescribing Practice. 6 (9). 374-381. https://doi.org/10.12968/jprp.2024.6.9.374
The results of dehydration in this population are severe: older adults are highly susceptible to urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and confusion. Furthermore, dehydration contributes to the risk of falls, a major public health concern for older adults, and may also complicate chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Despite these risks, dehydration often remains unrecognised until it has already created significant health problems.
Nurses are at the forefront of professionals in the prevention and management of dehydration among elderly patients (Reis da Silva, 2024a). Indeed, this requires continuous monitoring and early interventions. It would be appropriate for nurses to monitor fluid intake, watch out for early signs of dehydration like dry mouth, confusion, and reduced urine output, and quickly rehydrate the patient. They can also educate caregivers and patients about the benefits of hydration, ensuring easy access to water and frequent reminders to drink fluids among their cared-for older adults. Offering hydrating foods such as fruits, soups, and herbal teas is another simple but effective strategy.
Prevention of dehydration in the elderly can best be done in an individualised manner, with a proactive approach to the particular needs of the patient. The nurse, through his/her close, almost daily contacts with the elderly patient, is in an especially advantageous position to institute these measures and therefore goes a long way in greatly improving the health and well-being of such a vulnerable population. Educating, monitoring, and intervening in a timely fashion are ways that a nurse can reduce the risk of dehydration to make sure the hydration levels of the older adult remain optimized, as well as their quality of life.
External links:
Reis da Silva, T. (2023) Falls assessment and prevention in the nursing home and community. British Journal of Community Nursing 2023 28:2, 68-72
Reis da Silva TH (2024) Understanding body fluid balance, dehydration and intravenous fluid therapy. Emergency Nurse. doi:10.7748/en.2024.e2201
Reis da Silva, T. H. (2024). Falls prevention in older people and the role of nursing. British Journal of Community Nursing, 29(7), 335–339. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjcn.2024.0005
Reis da Silva, T.H. (2024). Chronic kidney disease in older adults: nursing implications for community nurses. Journal of Kidney Care. 9(4). 174-179. https://doi.org/10.12968/jokc.2024.9.4.174
Reis da Silva, T.H. (2024) Pharmacokinetics in older people: an overview of prescribing practice. Journal of Prescribing Practice. 6 (9). 374-381. https://doi.org/10.12968/jprp.2024.6.9.374
