Older adults are more at risk of dehydration as they have less water in their bodies than younger adults and children. Decreased kidney function can be a contributing factor too. This risk is greater again in the summer months due to the hot weather. With news of a 14-day mini-heatwave on the horizon, it is now more important than ever to keep an eye on how much fluid our elderly friends and family are consuming.

To protect our elderly loved ones, the team at Lillian Faithfull has shared five common signs of dehydration in ageing folks, when to seek medical attention, and ways to encourage them to drink more water.

1. Dry mouth and tongue

One of the earliest signs of dehydration is a dry or sticky mouth and tongue. If your loved one complains of a persistent dry mouth, it may be time to increase their fluid intake.

If your loved one has an illness that prevents them from communicating this, you should be able to tell dehydration from dry and cracked lips. Also, monitor behavioural changes such as irritability or restlessness, as this could also be a sign of dehydration.

2. Fatigue and confusion

The brain needs fluids to function properly. That’s why dehydration can lead to feelings of tiredness and confusion, making your loved one feel tired both mentally and physically. If your elderly loved one appears more disoriented or sleepy than usual, dehydration could be the reason.

3. Muscle cramps

Cramps caused by an electrolyte imbalance, through dehydration, occurs when there’s a reduced blood flow to the muscles. If your elderly loved one already suffers from mobility issues, it’s even more important to help them keep up their fluids so that they can reduce any risk of issues like soreness and cramps.

4. Decreased urination and dark-coloured urine

If your elderly loved one is urinating less frequently or that their urine is dark in colour, this is a common tell-tale sign of dehydration. If they’re in care, check in with their support team for peace of mind that they’re drinking enough.

5. Sunken eyes and dry skin

Check for physical signs such as sunken eyes or dry, less elastic skin, as this can indicate that your loved one is not getting enough fluids. These symptoms could, of course, mean something else, but if you notice that your loved one is looking different, making sure they’re hydrated is the safest first port of call.

Helping to prevent dehydration in elderly loved ones

It may seem obvious, but making sure your loved one has enough to drink during the warmer months is absolutely essential. For a rough guide, it’s good to note that drinking at least five 230-ml glasses of water daily reduces the risk of fatal coronary heart disease among older adults. For those with reduced mobility, always ensure an easy-to-drink water bottle with a straw is close to them at all times. Often, disabled individuals get dehydrated because they can’t easily access fluids if they’re not in a care home. Offering them a water bottle with times at which to drink can be a fantastic way to remind them to drink, while also giving you the ability to track how much they’re drinking.

As well as drinking enough, encourage them to incorporate hydrating foods with high water content, like watermelon, strawberries and cucumbers, into their diet. A large volume of a senior’s fluids come from food.

When to seek medical attention

If you observe any of the above symptoms and they persist despite efforts to increase fluid intake, it’s crucial to seek medical advice. Severe dehydration can lead to serious complications, including kidney problems and urinary tract infections. If you notice any concerning symptoms that’s out of their normal character, such as confusion and irritability, ring 111 or contact their GP as soon as possible.

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