Now that the summer is heating up, are you sure your elder is drinking enough water? Dehydration causes thousands of elders to end up in the hospital. Here are ways to encourage your elder to drink more fluids.

Getting enough water during the hot summer months can be hard for us all, but for your elderly loved one, it is the difference between health and the hospital. Thousands of fairly healthy elders end up in the hospital due to simple dehydration. My father was one of them. We had to find ways to get him to drink more, and yes, it was a battle in the beginning.

The problem of dehydration can be solved in a number of ways. The best is just to make sure your senior gets more plain, old water. I had to really harp on my father to get him to drink more. But after two hospitals stays, he began to get on board and began drinking more.

For people with kidney problems, dehydration goes from bad to deadly. Those who suffer from diabetes have this problem. Water flushes the potassium from their bodies and keeps them from suffering from cramps in the legs, arms and stomack.

While all drinks can help with dehydration, anything with lots of caffiene can have the reverse affect. So try to keep them off too much coffee or teas, and replace those with non-caffienated drinks.

Soups and fresh fruits are loaded with water and can help combat dehydration. For my dad, I found a way to help him enjoy his water. I bought a drinking cup that allows me to put a photo inbetween two cylinders. I printed out a photo of all the great grandchildren and slipped it in the space for photos on his cup. Now each time he sips, he sees the lights of his life.

A good water bottle can really help your senior get more fluids. Encourage them to take one wherever they go. Keep one near the bed and the sitting chair. A straw can help the water go down a little easier.

Have you had problems with your elder's hydration? We'd love to hear from you!

If you or a family member is going through a crisis, I want you to know that you are not alone. The support and education you need is available at your fingertips from expert care professionals at Lutheran Homes of Michigan. You may talk to a real person who does have the answers, without any obligation by calling 989.652.3470 or by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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