Introduction
People with dementia often have difficulty remembering to drink enough water. Dehydration can have serious health consequences for older adults, so it’s important for caregivers to help ensure that their loved ones with dementia are getting adequate hydration. In this article, we’ll explore ways to encourage someone with dementia to drink more water in 2023.
Encourage Fluid Consumption
The most important thing to do when trying to get someone with dementia to drink more water is to ensure that they are regularly consuming fluids. This means offering them water, juices, and other fluids at regular intervals throughout the day. To maximize the likelihood that they will drink, offer them a variety of options, such as flavored waters, flavored juices, and even decaffeinated tea. Additionally, offer them plenty of snacks that contain lots of fluids, like fruits and vegetables.
Make Sure Water Is Easily Accessible
It can be helpful to make sure that water is always easily accessible. Place water bottles in different locations throughout the house, or invest in a water cooler. Make sure that the water is cold and that the bottles are easy to open. Additionally, you can place pitchers of water in multiple locations so that it’s always within reach. It can also be helpful to provide straws, as straws make it easier for people with dementia to drink.
Make It Fun
Making drinking water fun can be a great way to encourage people with dementia to drink more. You can purchase special cups or glasses that have fun designs or sayings on them, or even get straws with fun designs. You can also try adding fruit or herbs to water to make it more flavorful. Additionally, you can make a game out of it and encourage your loved one to guess what flavor the water is before they take a sip.
Create A Routine
Creating a routine for drinking water can be a great way to get someone with dementia to drink more. Set a timer for certain intervals throughout the day and encourage your loved one to drink a glass of water at each interval. You can also try setting up a reward system for drinking water, such as providing a special snack or treat after they finish a glass.
Use Technology To Remind Them
If you’re looking for an easier way to remind your loved one to drink water, technology can be a great tool. You can set up an alert on their phone or computer that reminds them to drink water at certain intervals throughout the day. You can also use a smartwatch or fitness tracker to send them reminders. Additionally, you can set up a voice assistant to give them reminders and rewards when they drink water.
Involve Their Caregiver
If you’re having difficulty getting your loved one to drink more water, it can be helpful to involve their caregiver. Caregivers can help monitor water intake, provide reminders, and create a reward system for drinking more water. They can also help ensure that water is always easily accessible and that your loved one is consuming other types of fluids. Additionally, caregivers can provide emotional and physical support when your loved one is having difficulty remembering to drink water.
Conclusion
Getting someone with dementia to drink more water can be a challenge. However, by following the tips outlined in this article, you can help ensure that your loved one is getting adequate hydration. Encourage fluid consumption, make sure water is easily accessible, make it fun, create a routine, use technology to remind them, and involve their caregiver. With a little bit of effort, you can help ensure that your loved one is staying hydrated in 2023.