Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Fruits and vegetables can be a great source of fluids as many of these are made up almost entirely of water. For instance, a sports drink like Gatorade is good for dehydration, but the sugar level is often high. On the savory spectrum, chicken, beef, or vegetable broth can not only help hydrate but can provide essential electrolytes. The elderly are more prone to dehydration than anyone else because, for starters, they carry less water in their body naturally. Many seniors who are prone to incontinence experience overcompensation to the amount of fluids they intake for fear of that leading to accidents. If spills might be an issue, there are cups available with handles and spill-proof lids. If a senior isn’t keen on drinking large amounts of plain water, you can try clinically formulated electrolyte drinks for elderly or infusing water enhancers, trying flavored water, mixing juice with water, or. Thus, it’s important to remember that denying water or food under any instance when you need them can be critically dangerous and can lead to worse health effects than incontinence. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Vegetable slices such as cucumber, celery, tomato, bell peppers or fruits such as watermelon, cantaloupe, grapes, oranges, and apples can all be great sources of water. Furthermore, your sense of thirst becomes less responsive as you age, meaning that by the time a senior is thirsty, it’s possible that they’ve already reached a point of dehydration. Note: This document contains side effect information about electrolyte replacement solutions. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Pedialyte. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Pedialyte.. Although it was created as a children's drink, Pedialyte is good for elderly people because it has many important electrolytes, but also less sugar than many other similar options. Last updated on Mar 24, 2020. Your email address will not be published. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking electrolyte replacement solutions: Symptoms of too much sodium (salt) in the body. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Applies to electrolyte replacement solutions: oral packet, oral powder for solution, oral powder for suspension, oral solution, oral tablet Pedialyte (Electrolyte Oral Solution, Freezer-Pops, and Jell Cups). Generic Name: electrolyte replacement solutions. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them: Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Some side effects may not be reported. Pedialyte ® has 3x electrolytes and ½ the sugar of the leading sports drinks. Dementia can lead a person to forget to consume enough fluids to battle dehydration, and dementia can even affect someone’s ability to swallow in extreme cases. With this in mind, it’s important if you’re a senior or caring for a senior, that you ensure to pay close attention to fluid intake and any symptoms of dehydration. Although these don’t need to be avoided entirely unless in a dire battle with dehydration, they should be monitored and compensated for. Also, be aware that urine testing has been found to be too inaccurate to be a qualified form of diagnosis of dehydration, although the color is still something to pay attention to. Adding fruit to yogurt or cereal, adding lettuce and tomato to a sandwich or burger, methods like this can help someone to receive fluids even in their meals. Some side effects of electrolyte replacement solutions may occur that usually do not need medical attention. Fight back with advanced hydration. Along with its needed effects, electrolyte replacement solutions (the active ingredient contained in Pedialyte) may cause some unwanted effects. If a senior has a sweet tooth, milkshakes and smoothies might be a viable source of fluid intake. There are certain sources of food and drink that hinder hydration as well. Your email address will not be published. All rights reserved. Available for Android and iOS devices. Signs that dehydration might be present include headaches, constipation, muscle cramping, dry mouth, and sleepiness. https://www.senioradvice.com/articles/dehydration-in-seniors These signs include infrequent urination that is dark or amber-colored, dry skin that doesn’t return to its shape when pinched, dizziness or disorientation, low blood pressure, fast breathing and heartbeat, weak pulse, and cold hands and feet. *. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Certain medical conditions can also become factors in dehydration in seniors. In this article, we gathered information to help seniors avoid dehydration with electrolyte drinks for elderly.