A huge problem in nursing homes is being overlooked- over 50% of elderly patients are not being properly hydrated every day. This is a huge problem, as drinking less than 5% of the daily recommended amount can lead to physical problems. As dehydration begins to set in, fluid is removed from vital organs into the bloodstream. As water leaves vital organs like the brain, a patient can begin to experience mood swings, fatigue, and cognitive impairments.Â
Dehydration in nursing homes has an enormous effect on the elderly who they care for due to a variety of reasons. They usually take medications that interfere with fluid retention, like antidepressants and diabetes medicines. Many of these senior citizens are also experiencing cognitive decline, so they have trouble identifying the signs of thirst and properly communicating their needs.Â
Serious repercussions from dehydration can include an increased risk of falls, a delayed recovery from surgery, longer hospital admissions, and a higher death rate. To prevent these horrible effects, IV micronutrient treatments have become a vital tool for properly hydrating the elderly living in these nursing homes. As these treatments become more accessible, it will hopefully be more likely that these aging folks get the comfort and support they need in their twilight years.
Source: DriptIV.com
