Over 50% of senior citizens in nursing homes are not getting enough water, making it clear that there is not enough emphasis on making sure that the health of these elderly folk are being properly hydrated. Hydration stems not just from the right amount of water intake, but from electrolytes found in minerals and vitamins that make it possible for water to actually enter cells. Without both water and electrolytes, fluids will begin to be depleted from major organs, including the brain, and entered into the bloodstream. This process can cause mood instability, fatigue, and damage to cognitive performance. In extreme cases, dehydration can cause higher mortality rates if left untreated.
Dehydration in nursing homes occurs at a higher rate for residents due to many factors related to their old age. Many of them take medications that cause fluid to not be easily retained in their bodies, such as anti-depressants and anti-diabetic meds. Patients sometimes are unable to flag that they are experiencing dehydration to their caretakers due to their declining cognitive function. They also need high levels of water to remain properly hydrated, because their aging kidneys need a lot of water to flush out concentrated urine and avoid damage to the organ.
Source: DriptIV.com
