I measure (right in front of him) 8 cups of water into a pitcher. I told him that once the water is gone from the pitcher, then he's had plenty of water for that day. Does not matter what glass you pour the water into as long as it's from that pitcher. His occupational therapist told him the same thing - he doesn't believe her. She tried to explain that you get your daily water from water as well as foods. He didn't believe her.
In his defense, when he was in rehab after his fall, he did experience severe dehydration and was sent to the emergency room for fluids (the doctor noticed he was unresponsive when he was doing rounds in the morning). Naturally, he is extremely fearful of it happening again. He's been living with us for over 2 months and is eating and drinking normally. He's very alert and his overall physical apperance has improved dramatically. His blood pressure is perfect. I scheduled his annual physical for next week with his primary. I'm hoping the doctor can reassure him he's ok.
If that's what makes him happy, a glass of water, why not enjoy it. You did not explain the obssecion part-does he want to drink it all at once? Asks for water all the time? Needs to see the pouring of water from the pitcher?
Otherwise, he seems to be doing very well.
However, for an elder, taking TOO MUCH WATER can be just as serious a problem and a much quicker killer. This is because with age the heart, as a pump weakens and fluid accumulates in the peripheral areas, but worse, in the lungs. This can be an instant killer in cases of left heart failure and is called "flash pulmonary edema". If the senior is obsessed with fluid intake then one should be on watch for signs of fluid overload. Weight should be done daily and three pound gain a worry, assess whether able to breathe easily at rest laying flat. Check legs for pitting edema (you press in thumb or finger and the dent stays there for some seconds).
This is something for you and your senior to discuss with doctor--and to ascertain how much fluid should be taken. If there is dementia at all then it is often difficult when an "obsession" like this takes hold. Wishing you good luck going forward.
Moderation in all things, I guess!
I have seen a drinking bottle marked with both mls/fl oz and inspirational little messages at intervals - "drink up!" "keep going!" "you're doing great" "healthy hydration" - down the side. I have to admit it made not the slightest impression on the person who'd been given it but I still thought it was a good idea in principle, and as your father wants reassurance rather than motivation or prompting perhaps he'd like something like this?
Personally, I think CM targeted the issue: a bad and likely frightening experience has led to overcompensation. I think though that his ability to rationalize and determine that he won't let this happen again is to his credit.
Thats amazing on the elimination of added salt!
Salty foods, processed foods, many other food items having sodium that traps fluid in the body. I was taught by a heart transplant institute to severely restrict salt for my mom (who was ever vigilant on watching her salt intake on her own). Of course, salty food increases our thirst.
For a person with dementia, you can’t expect him to remember that he shouldn’t drink too much water, at present he may only know he is thirsty.
Additionally his diet over the last few months will have changed from living alone, being in the hospital, rehab and now at your home. Rehab food is often loaded with all the bad stuff. Some hospital foods the same.
So, saying all that to say his salt content may be greater at your home than at his own or just the opposite. It depends on what he was eating at home.
Worth watching to help him not crave the water or hold too much fluid.
And since he prefers to drink his liquids in the form of water perhaps you could limit foods higher in water content to a degree. Just a thought.
Same with sugar. This from the daughter of a woman that sugared her tomatoes.
But then so does basil, and leaving them at room temperature for long enough :)
Thank goodness his drink of choice is non-alcoholic, inexpensive and easily accessible!
if he experienced dehydration, UTI and fall, He will be doing everything he can do avoid it again. I think your dad is fab for making sure he is drinking enough and wonderful he’s doing so well.
(my dad has a catheter due to recurrent UTIs, enlarged prostate and CKD, we regularly bicker about getting him to drink more fluids.)
His health has improved as a result of his 8 cups a day. Let him be obsessed then and don't make an issue of it, it's doing him the world of good. Perhaps it is you who needs to step back and stop worrying and allow, and drink more water yourself?
The main thing I would stress is to make sure that he's drinking 'clean' water. Filtered to remove toxins and hormones and remineralised so he gets those in.
Otherwise, you could try see his story as a way to inspire others at his age to drink more water and share about his very obvious health improvement results. Your pops is a wonderful example of what a focused effort to improve our health can achieve. People need to know how important hydration is and how beneficial it is for us, at every age. Good luck with this. I see an opportunity here, what do you see?
Yes, over-hydration can be a problem, particularly for gym junkies. My favorite story is the actress going up to the stage for ‘best actress’, still clutching her water bottle. This story doesn’t sound like much to worry about.
He may have Sjogrens...or a medication that is causing extremely dry mouth...or the house. may be very hot and that could lead to fluid loss via skin and a sensation of thirst.
In my case, I can't get my mother to drink ANY water at ALL! Feast or famine with these elders, isn't it? :)