Interventions for Dehydration

Proper fluid intake can be challenging for many older adults. Dehydration comes with many complications. Let’s explore some interventions for dehydration in the elderly. 

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Dehydration Basics

Dehydration occurs when not enough fluid is consumed to offset losses. This is especially common in the elderly. 

Sense of thirst decreases with age. Medications and medical conditions can also increase dehydration risk. 

Dehydration can have many negative consequences, making adequate hydration especially important for older adults. 

Poor hydration increases risk of (1):

• Constipation
• Delirium
• Falls
• Urinary tract infections
• Hospitalizations
• Morbidity & mortality
• Delayed wound healing
• Renal dysfunction 

Since poor hydration status has so many negative consequences, attempting to prevent dehydration and treat it early on is important for the elderly. 

Interventions for Dehydration

Many older adults do not have a strong sense of thirst, so reminders and encouragement to drink is usually necessary.

Replacing lost fluids and electrolytes is necessary for treating dehydration. Here are some strategies to increase oral fluid intake:

• Try different types of glasses and cups. Switch up colors and materials
• Prompt to take frequent sips throughout the day.
• Some may drink better through a straw (as long as swallowing difficulty isn’t an issue)
• Use contrasting colored drinkware
• Provide a social environment 
• Offer fluids at and between meals
• Try mocktail hour
• Increase variety of fluids offered
• Keep beverages in view throughout the day
• Serve high fluid foods like watermelon and other fruits.
• Incorporate popsicles into dessert or snack rotations
• Assist with drinking as needed
• Smaller, lighter weight cups may be easier to handle, especially for those with frailty 
• Cups with handles may be easier to manage
• Utilize adaptive drinkware if difficulty self feeding is an issue, such as with tremors or Parkinson’s disease 
• Try drinkware with measurements for better tracking
• Give daily intake goal
• Encourage moderation of “dehydrating” beverages, such as caffeinated drinks and alcohol 
• Routinely have labs monitored, especially if using fluid depleting medications, such as diuretics 
• Electrolyte drinks may help especially when dehydration is caused by excess losses (i.e. increased sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea) 
• Keep favorite beverages on hand
• Add fruit slices to water: try lemons, oranges, frozen berries, or even cucumbers 
• Seek treatment for any ongoing vomiting or diarrhea 
• Attach cup holders to walkers and wheelchairs to keep fluids accessible 

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Intravenous Fluids

In more severe cases of dehydration, especially with electrolyte imbalances, intravenous (IV) fluids may be necessary. 

IV fluids go through a line right into the veins for quick recovery of dehydration. 

This treatment occurs most commonly in a hospital setting for quick recovery from acute dehydration. 

Practical Takeaways

Dehydration can contribute to many negative health consequences, especially for the elderly.

Using strategies to increase fluid intake is important for prevention and early intervention of dehydration. 

*This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.