Allowing a resident to become seriously dehydrated is a form of neglect. Dehydration can lead to a variety of ailments, including tooth decay, broken bones, anaemia, low blood pressure and even death.

Why is dehydration a risk?
The elderly are at high risk for dehydration for a number of reasons. As we age, the sense of thirst becomes blunted. The total amount of fluids declines as a proportion of total body weight. Chronic diseases and medications can also lead to dehydration. Patients suffering from depression or dementia are often unable to seek water even if they feel thirst.

Reduction in mobility can lead to dehydration. Some elderly people will avoid consuming liquids in order to reduce the embarrassment of incontinence. Sometimes nursing home staff members deliberately limit the fluid intake of residents in order to avoid the time-consuming tasks of changing diapers or bed sheets or escorting residents to the rest room.

Symptoms
If your loved one shows any of the following symptoms, he or she may be suffering from dehydration:

• Skin tenting in the forehead
• Dark or concentrated urine
• Sunken eyes
• Dry mouth, skin and nasal passages
• Low blood pressure
• Tachycardia (racing heart)
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Fatigue