Elderly Dehydration in Santa Clarita
As Santa Clarita approaches the warm Southern California summer season, the elderly face a new set of potential health complications. Detecting the symptoms of illness in the elderly can be very challenging, and dehydration
manifests itself as a stage of illness. A simple thirst complaint can lead to a loss of consciousness if not treated promptly. Drinking adequate amounts of water helps the elderly regulate their normal body temperature and minimizes the risk of infection by eliminating toxins and flushing them out. When the elderly are dehydrated, their heart pumps at a higher rate, worsening any existing heart conditions. Comfort Keepers in Santa Clarita has a checklist of some common symptoms that dehydrated seniors experience.
- Thirst and Hunger: The elderly often complain about excessive thirst and dry mouth when they are dehydrated. The brain also sends different signals to get the individual hungry, so many elderly feel a sudden urge to eat or drink water.
- Fatigue: Even a slight change in the level of body fluid can affect how the body works. Oxygen and nutrients are harder to distribute leaving seniors feeling tired and weak.
- Headaches: Seniors feel stressed if they are not able to cope with high temperatures due to a lack of hydration. Keeping hydrated will ensure the body can release internal heat and keep blood circulating.
- Mental Confusion: Dehydrated seniors may have a difficult time making even the simplest decisions. Other symptoms reported by affected seniors include short-term memory loss, confusion, and mental fogginess.
- Muscle Weakness: Fluids are natural lubricants to keep joints smooth with minimal friction. Cramps can also be felt because muscles don’t receive enough nutrients or oxygen.
These are just some of the common symptoms that the elderly experience when they are dehydrated. It is important to remember how dangerous dehydration is for the elderly, and how the issue must be dealt with as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact Comfort Keepers Santa Clarita or visit our Blog website for more information! www.seniorcaresantaclarita.com
Comfort Keepers Santa Clarita
23900 Lyons Avenue
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
661-287-4200
