For many families, a nursing home is the best option when it comes to taking care of an aging loved one. This transition from house to nursing home is one of emotional turmoil for both the patient and their family. The change in environment, distance from family, and new daily routine means that this rough transition means that not much attention is paid to smaller changes, such as dietary changes. However, the minor changes in diet and water intake leave as many as 90% of nursing home patients at risk of dehydration.
There are a plethora of reasons why someone can be dehydrated. The most significant, however, is that water intake alone does not equate to hydration. Hydration is defined as the amount of water in the cells, which requires electrolytes to transport the water. Because electrolyte levels can fluctuate person-to-person, some need more acute care than others. This also accounts for the reason why simply drinking more water orally isn’t an effective strategy for hydration.
The most common confounding factor for dehydration is old age. As you age, your kidney function declines and requires more water to have the same level of function. Old age also means that thirst signals don’t always reach the brain, meaning it’s possible to not even know how thirsty you are. And, if you can tell how thirsty you are, cognitive decline can leave you unable to communicate the need anyway.
Another symptom of old age is deteriorating health. Health conditions are another large reason why nursing home residents can be dehydrated. Particularly, patients experiencing weight loss, malnutrition risks, and infections have a much higher vulnerability to dehydration. Additionally, health conditions that cause lower potassium or elevated sodium worsen dehydration in nursing home residents. Similarly, health conditions usually mean medications are needed. Many medications, such as anti-diabetics, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants, are known to deplete fluids and leave patients vulnerable to dehydration.
While the causes are relatively straightforward, what are the symptoms of dehydration? Cells need to balance intracellular fluid with extracellular fluid. When they are low in water, they take water out of the organs and move it into the bloodstream. This typically results in a worsened mood, higher levels of fatigue, reduced cognitive ability, and a more withdrawn attitude in social settings. It also sharply increases the risks of falls, mortality rates, and longer surgical and hospital recovery times.
Fortunately, Dript IV Therapy has a solution that combines fluids with nutrition to optimize the amount of hydration received. By combining zinc, biotin, amino acids, and many vitamins, you can not only ensure proper cell hydration but also supplement nutrition and fill any potential gaps. These IV’s can rebalance your intracellular fluid, help ward off infections, and help treat chronic wounds. The proper hydration and nutrition even help to improve and maintain cognitive function in those with impairments. Whether you are being transferred to a nursing home or a long-term resident, taking advantage of Dript IV bags can help you cross dehydration off the list.
Source: DriptIV.com