301-593-5285 Email Us
  • LinkedIn
Debra Levy Eldercare Associates print logo
  • Home
     
     
  • Our
    Services
     
    • Care Management
    • Debbie’s Angels
    • WellSenior™
    • How We Can Help
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • For Attorneys
    • For Financial Advisors
    • For Medical Providers
    • For Assisted Living Communities
  • Locations
    We Serve
     
    • Care manager in Bethesda
    • Care manager in Chevy Chase
    • Care manager in Potomac
    • Care manager in Washington, DC
    • Care manager in Frederick
    • Care manager in Silver Spring
    • Care manager in Rockville
  • Insights
    on
    Aging
    • Physical changes
    • Emotional changes
    • Mental changes
    • Your strengths
    • Your legacy
    • WellSenior Blog
  • Staying
    Independent
     
    • Hospitalizations
    • Managing Medications
    • Preventing Falls
    • Driving Safely
  • Memory
    Loss
    (Dementia)
    • What is dementia?
    • How dementia affects family life
    • Early stage of dementia
    • Middle stage of dementia
    • Late stage of dementia
    • Final stage of dementia
    • Help for families
  • Tips
    and
    Tools
    • Changing Roles
    • Coping with Stress
    • Dealing with Family
    • Educating Yourself
    • Finding Help
    • Newsletter for Families
  • Important
    Documents
     
    • Financial planning
    • Quality of life
    • Health care planning
    • MOLST
  • Home
  • Request Info
  • Search
  • Check Out Our
    Coronavirus Updates
  • Learn
    About Us
  • Request
    Information
  • Tell Us
    About Your Concerns
Serving Bethesda; Chevy Chase; Potomac; Washington, DC; Frederick; Silver Spring; Rockville and surrounding communities
 
July/August 2016
Home / July/August 2016 Print
Font size
    • A A A
 - D
"It turns out that much of Pop's dizziness and falling was because he's dehydrated. That's easy to fix. Have him drink more water!"
301-593-5285

About Us

Debra Levy Eldercare Associates has been providing care and support for older adults and their families since 1988. Learn more about us and about our services by giving us a call at 301-593-5285.

Save trees! Subscribe online at AgingWellMetroDC.com

Our Monthly Newsletter
Helpful tips for family caregivers

July/August 2016 Print

Is your relative dehydrated?

PitcherWaterBlue-Fotolia_67618584_700x400If a person doesn’t drink much water, is it a big deal? In a word, yes!

Our bodies are 50%-60% water. The brain is more than 66% water. But we lose 2-3 quarts of fluid daily through normal body processes.

We need to replace that fluid by drinking at least 6-8 glasses of water or nonsugar, noncaffeine, nonalcoholic beverages each day. That’s one glass every 2-3 hours. When the weather is hot, we need even more.

Between 20% and 40% of seniors regularly do not get enough water. The result is dehydration, which can have a variety of effects. The most common problems include:

  • constipation
  • confusion
  • dizziness and falls
  • bladder infections
  • pressure ulcers, also known as bed sores

How do you know if your loved one is dehydrated?

Thirst may be a sign, but it’s unreliable. Many older adults lose the sensation of thirst. A dry or sticky mouth or headaches can signal dehydration. Muscle weakness, sleepiness, and tiredness are also signs. Dark urine is a sure sign.

The solution for dehydration is simple: Have your relative drink more water! But remember, he or she may have no thirst. Here are friendly ways to support more fluid intake:

  • Start slow. If your loved one drinks three glasses a day, shoot for four until that becomes a habit. Then you can increase by another glass.
  • Understand the barriers. Often people are afraid to drink more because they’ll have to urinate more, and at inconvenient times.
  • Keep a pitcher of water out and handy all day.
  • If you are visiting, pour a glass of water regularly. Don’t ask, just pour one for yourself and hand one to your loved one.
  • Make water drinks appealing. Add a bit of lemon, or cucumber, or mint.
  • Try a sugar-free beverage if more flavor is needed.
Return to top

Whose idea was this, anyway?

1MomWithWorriedDaughterD5CBC1_700x400If the role of “chief caregiver” for Mom or Dad was not one you chose, you are not alone. According to a study by the American Association of Retired Persons and the National Alliance for Caregiving, 49% of family caregivers feel they really did not have a choice in the matter. There are several factors:

The tyranny of the first-born. Across many cultures, it is assumed that the first-born will be in charge of the parents’ care, especially a daughter. Everyone defers to the eldest for decisions.

A twist of geography. Sometimes, by default, family members rely most heavily on the adult child who lives nearby.

“Mom likes you best.” Although we might wish it weren’t so, the truth is, parents have favorites. The child with the “closest” relationship is often expected to step in, even when a different sibling is more available or has better caregiving skills.

No matter which is the case, being the caregiver is often an isolating and overwhelming role. Particularly so when there is criticism and pushback by siblings.

Take these steps to reduce family conflict and your own feelings of resentment:

  • Bring assumptions into the open. Have a family meeting, with your parents there too. Talk about care needs and wishes. Discuss the options as a group.
  • Align decision making with the day-to-day caregivers. Nothing builds resentment more than having one child provide the hands-on care while another calls the shots.
  • Divide roles based on ability. It may be that the physically closest child is the best suited to drive mom on errands. But spread around the other tasks, such as managing the finances or researching medical issues.
  • Keep everyone informed. Conflict is less likely to occur if all siblings are kept in the loop. Avoid last-minute surprises with a weekly email talking about current issues and concerns.
Return to top

What Medicare does NOT cover

Medicare is health insurance for those over age 65. A surprising number of things that might seem obvious as health needs of elders are not included as benefits. This can get costly! For example, in the normal process of aging, many older adults need glasses, hearing aids, and sometimes dentures. Foot problems are also common. But Medicare does not cover

  • vision problems. Routine eye exams and corrective glasses are not covered. Patients with high-risk diseases, however, such as diabetes and glaucoma, can be screened yearly. And cataract surgery is covered.
  • hearing problems. Testing to confirm hearing loss is covered. But hearing aids must be paid for out of pocket.
  • dental care. Anything routine, such as teeth cleaning, cavity repair, or dentures, is not covered. Dental surgery or care required because of a disease, such as cancer, is covered.
  • foot care. Injuries and diseases, such as bunions and bone spurs, are covered. But treatment for common gripes, such as calluses and tough toenails, must be paid for privately.

Similarly, age-related changes in health often lead to a need for help with basics, such as bathing, dressing, and cooking. And many seniors can’t live safely by themselves. But Medicare does not pay for assistance at home. And it does not cover long-term “custodial” care in a facility.

Isn’t retirement a time to travel? If you get sick outside the United States, Medicare will not pay for medical care or hospitalization. (There are exceptions if you are just over the border or on a cruise ship that has recently left port.)

Complimentary medicine, such as acupuncture and chiropractic care, is not covered. Nor is elective cosmetic surgery.

If your relative needs more than what basic Medicare provides, check into the options. “Medicare Advantage” plans may cover additional services.

MedicareCard_700x400

Return to top
Call 301-593-5285
Fill in this form and one of our caring staff will get back to you.
  • Newsletter
    • Past Issues
  • Testimonials
  • Local Providers in Metro DC
  • Resources for You
    • For People Wishing to Age Well
    • For Families with Aging Parents
    • For Legal-Financial Professionals

(This message is encrypted. Nevertheless, please be mindful of privacy concerns.)

SHARE PAGE
Serving Bethesda; Chevy Chase; Potomac; Washington, DC; Frederick; Silver Spring; Rockville and surrounding communities
 
  • 301-593-5285
  • Email Us
  • 11120 New Hampshire Ave., Suite 505,
    Silver Spring, MD 20904
  • LinkedIn

This website is sponsored by Debra Levy Eldercare Associates. We are your first choice when looking for a care manager or companion in the Metro DC area. Call us at 301-593-5285.

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Cookie Policy
  • Feedback

© 2002-2021, Debra Levy Eldercare Associates. Site created by Elder Pages Online, LLC.