I take care of my dad who has dementia that causes anger. He has stage 3 kidney disease and should be drinking at least 6 glasses of water per day. He refuses water, and basically any fluids. This is a constant battle. I have had to call the paramedics out at least 3 times this month because he gets dehydrated. Flavored water does not help. He will not drink tea or soda. Please help.
My 90 yr old friend has to be reminded to have some water, even when we are out and about in 115° weather. She worries about having to use the bathroom to frequently and doesn't feel thirsty, double whammy for staying hydrated. I just remind her frequently and that helps.
As he goes through the process of going from today towards the last day of his life - are you going to fight him at every turn?
You are allowing a lot of stress into your life.
Do you believe that he will magically become a 35 year old again?
Do you believe that - one day, he will die? It is natural that this is a process.
As we are entering the autumn of the year, do you not see evidence around you of a slowing of this life - making the new life of spring?
You mentioned a good point about a lot of older people don't want to drink too much because they will have to go to the bathroom frequently especially when they have incontinence issues. I have often wondered if that's why my 95 year old mom doesn't want to drink a lot. She was like that old commercial "gotta go, gotta go, gotta go right now." Even when she was in her mid-80's and we were out somewhere, I had to make several emergency bathroom stops. I think it's stressful for her thinking she might not be able to hold it long enough until she gets to the bathroom.
What an excellent idea - I would have never thought of that! I'm going to look into it the next time I go to the store and add it to the other drinks I buy her. Thank you so much!
I purchased V8 peach mango today, wondering if I should wait until the strawberry banana is finished before opening this one. What do you think? I am so glad my mother has this option. It thickens to a good consistency. So happy my mom can have this. The Splash drink sounds good too. Thanks so much, fluids are getting easier for my mom to consume. Hugs to you.
Good, the Peach/Mango is our favorite! I buy the 6 or 12 pack cans (they're thin and skinny and easy to drink with a straw). If you bought the big bottle, I'm wondering if you bought the V8 "Fusion" drink. I would finish the strawberry banana unless you go through it pretty fast (it will keep in the fridge for 10-14 days according to some information I read). If that's the case you could go ahead and open the peach/mango as well and switch back and forth. Otherwise, if she only drinks a little at a time, I would finish the one before opening the other. That's why I like the little cans because I can keep a variety in the fridge without worrying about spoilage.
The Nestle "Splash" drink is more like a water with a hint of flavoring. Two totally different types of drinks.
I'm so glad that your mom is finding fluids easier to consume and I hope you both will continue to enjoy these drinks. It's always nice to have a variety!
Hugs to you too!
My mom loves the new peach mango drink, I just thicken it up a bit. She smiles when I give it to her. I also gave her the strawberry banana today. I had a glass of the peach mango, very tasty.
I'm so glad your mom loves the peach/mango drink and that you liked it as well. That's nice too that you can thicken it up so it's the consistency she's able to drink.
I just took my mom another 12-pack of the peach/mango as she just finished the orange/pineapple.
But most of all I'm so glad it puts a smile on her face when you give it to her and I'm sure you love that too!
Hugs to both you and your mom! :)
Watermelon sounds really good. I use a bullet and love it. Or get a juicer. The entire watermelon, skins and all, go in and get all the nutrition. p.s. I don't like watermelon although I do like the juice. I also love cantaloupe. I think it turns green or something pretty. A juicer [or my preference, a bullet] is great for your dad - and you. I have a very good recipe I 'drink' most days, includes ginger root and garlic. Just a little. and much more. If you want it the recipe, please let me know.
May I refer you to other numerous posts on this topic?
Hydration Tips for Seniors
https://www.agingcare.com/topics/221/hydration
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