Summer weather has its perks, but it also comes with added health and safety considerations for seniors. Staying hydrated and avoiding heat stroke are critical to good health, but seniors have a diminished sense of thirst that often makes it difficult for them to recognize when their body needs more fluids. Knowing this, we’ve listed three simple but effective ways to help seniors stay healthy and hydrated in warmer weather.
If you have any questions or would like to know more about high quality homecare services in Toronto, Mississauga and the surrounding areas, please contact us. We’d be glad to answer your questions and provide a personalized quote.
Make hydration convenient
If your aging loved one isn’t drinking enough water during the day, try to make hydration as convenient as possible. Have a few insulated water bottles available throughout their home—a lightweight option with a straw is often easiest for seniors to use independently—and keep them filled with fresh ice water (or water without ice, if that’s your loved one’s preference). By placing a water bottle within arm’s reach beside the bed, in the living room and anywhere else they spend a lot of time, your loved one will be reminded to drink water between meals. This simple solution is often all it takes to significantly increase a senior’s fluid intake! Remember: foods like watermelon, tomatoes, celery and cucumber have a high water content and make a great snack. You can also incorporate other fluids into their diet—nutritious soups and herbal teas are great options.
Try naturally flavoured water
While some people enjoy drinking water straight from the tap, others find it bland or unappetizing. If this is the case with your aging loved one, consider preparing a jug of naturally flavoured water that can be kept in the fridge for easy access. Here are a few flavour combinations that work well—just be sure to make a new batch every day or two, and to avoid ingredients that may interact with any prescription medications your aging loved one is taking.
- Fresh lemon and mint
- Cucumber and fresh basil
- Orange and fresh thyme
- Apple and ginger
This article has some great recipes to try, if you’re looking for additional suggestions.
Offer low-sugar popsicles
Finally, if your loved one is really opposed to drinking more fluids (this may be the case with individuals with dementia or other cognitive impairments), consider popsicles as an alternative. While store-bought popsicles are full of sugar and artificial flavours, you can use silicone molds to make healthy, low sugar popsicles in no time. Consider freezing a mix of half water and half juice or trying this recipe. You can also make this recipe, which includes Greek yogurt for a creamier popsicle texture. No time to make popsicles at home? Consider these freezies—they’re made for children, but many seniors enjoy their mild yet sweet flavour.
Thanks for reading and please contact us if you’d like to know more about hiring a Personal Support Worker (PSW) to support your aging loved one in Toronto, Mississauga or the surrounding areas.