High Blood Pressure and Dehydration: Why Elderly Hydration Matters in Assisted Living
Shockingly, nearly half of all residents in assisted living communities struggle with high blood pressure. There are a couple of reasons for this. As we age, high blood pressure becomes more common.
Also, many residents may have other health conditions that add to it. These include heart disease or diabetes. But did you know another factor (dehydration) might cause high blood pressure?
Understanding how high blood pressure and dehydration relate can help keep residents healthy. In this quick guide, we'll discuss this connection. We'll also explain why proper hydration is so important for seniors in assisted living.
How High Blood Pressure Affects Body Fluids
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can affect the delicate balance of bodily fluids. The circulatory system consists of a network of blood vessels. These blood vessels deliver oxygenated blood and nutrients to cells and carry away waste products.
In someone with high blood pressure, the force of blood that pushes against their artery walls is consistently high. The high BP effects can damage the tiny blood vessels that filter fluids out of the bloodstream and into tissues. When these delicate filters are damaged, excess fluid can build up in the body's tissues.
The damage may cause swelling, particularly in the legs and ankles. The imbalance of fluids can also make it harder for the kidneys to remove waste products effectively. As such, for residents in assisted living communities, high blood pressure can be a particular concern.
Many residents may be taking medications to manage other health conditions. Some medications can also affect fluid balance. Also, our bodies become less efficient at regulating fluids as we age.
Impact of Dehydration on Blood Pressure
Dehydration may occur when the body loses more fluids than it consumes. It can happen due to hot weather, illness, or certain medications. You may also be dehydrated when you don't drink enough fluids.
When dehydrated, your blood volume decreases. Regarding blood pressure and fluid intake, less water in the system means less blood circulating. The body reacts to dehydration by trying to conserve fluids.
It may try to release angiotensin hormones that make the blood vessels constrict or narrow. While this helps the body hold onto fluids in the short term, it can also increase blood pressure. This is especially worrying for residents in assisted living.
The residents may already be struggling with high blood pressure. Chronically high blood pressure puts pressure on the heart and raises the risk of severe health problems. These problems include heart attack and stroke.
Why Seniors Are More Prone to Dehydration
Dehydration can be a serious concern for seniors living in assisted living communities. Our body's natural thirst cues can become dull as we age, making us not feel thirsty even when dehydrated. Seniors might not realize they need to drink fluids, which can lead to dehydration over time.
Your body has a higher percentage of water when you're younger. However, this percentage decreases with age. Less water reserve in your body makes you more vulnerable to dehydration. Also, many medications prescribed to seniors can have a diuretic effect.
These medications can lead to more frequent fluid loss and dehydration if seniors aren't careful to replace those fluids. Some seniors with conditions like dementia or Alzheimer's may forget to drink fluids throughout the day. Those with mobility limitations may also find getting up and pouring a glass of water difficult.
The Dangers of Dehydration for Elderly Adults
Dehydration can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness, which increases the risk of falls. Falls can cause fractures, injuries, and even hospitalization. Since dehydration can make it harder for the body to flush out toxins and bacteria, it increases the risk of urinary tract infections.
Impaired cognitive function due to dehydration may lead to confusion and disorientation. It can be especially concerning for seniors with dementia or other cognitive conditions. Dehydration can also make it more difficult for the body to digest food and eliminate waste.
Chronic dehydration can strain the kidneys, a problem that might extend to other organs. The kidneys help filter waste materials from the blood. If strained, you may have serious hypertension and hydration deficiency problems.
Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration in Seniors
One of the first signs of dehydration is a decrease in urination or changes in urine color. For instance, a resident may go to the bathroom less often, or their urine might be dark yellow or amber-colored. If this is the case, it could suggest they need to drink more fluids.
Dehydration can zap energy levels and leave you with dry mouth and cracked lips. It can also affect brain function and cause headaches and dizziness. By being familiar with these signs and symptoms, managing high blood pressure and dehydration is easier.
Keeping Seniors Hydrated in Assisted Living
Staff at assisted living communities should remind residents to drink fluids. They should do so gently and throughout the day. The staff should offer water, sugar-free drinks, and even healthy snacks with high water content.
Senior living communities work with seniors' families to create personalized hydration plans. These plans may help schedule fluid intake breaks and offer BP health tips to residents. They may also offer preferred drinks.
Thicker liquids may work for residents who have trouble swallowing. Monitoring residents' fluid intake and recording it is also important. It lets the communities find residents who may not be drinking enough.
Then, they can fix the issue and prevent serious consequences. Communities may even add fun activities to their daily schedule. These activities should encourage healthy ways to stay hydrated.
Let Us Help You Keep Your Loved One's High Blood Pressure and Dehydration at Bay
By understanding the link between high blood pressure and dehydration, you can take steps to keep your loved one healthy. Proper hydration practices can significantly improve their well-being and quality of life. They may even help manage their blood pressure.
Need a senior living community that understands the importance of elderly hydration and prioritizes resident well-being? LakeHouse Escanaba works closely with residents and families to create custom care plans that address unique needs. Explore our senior living options today and discover how we can help your loved one thrive.