Points
to Consider |
What
Can I Do to Help? |
When
Should I Call for Help? |
Water may be voluntarily avoided by the elderly to
reduce incidents of loss of urinary control.
Loss of urinary control is not an inevitable outcome
of aging. |
Water intake should occur during the day and be limited
in the evening
Be watchful for signs of loss of urinary control.
|
Seek help for any
loss of urinary control.
Report excessive thirst that cannot be quenched.
|
| Water intake may increase the sensation
of fullness or interfere with digestion. |
Fluid intake should be taken between
meals rather than at meals. |
Seek
assistance with non-resilient tissues, dry mouth or
sunken eyes. |
Dietary fibre taken without adequate water may reduce
regularity and cause constipation.
|
Fluid intake should accompany dietary fibre. |
Seek help if bowel
elimination is infrequent, uncomfortable, and stool
is dry and hard. |
| Beverages that contain caffeine, sugar
or alcohol act as diuretics: eliminating more water than
they provide.
Alcohol is not a nutrient. Intake of alcohol provides
7 calories per gram.
|
Alcohol intake should not be considered
part of fluid intake.
When taken in small quantities, alcohol may stimulate
appetite.
Some elderly may be sensitive to caffeine intake.
Monitor the response. |
Seek
help if alcohol intake exceeds nutritional intake or
if alcohol intake seems problematic.
Report a flushed face, shortness of breath
or an anxious feeling with caffeine intake.
Report unreasonable tiredness after a
beverage that contains a high amount of sugar.
|
