This is a frequent problem among all older people and merits
special attention since it causes particular problems in Alzheimer's.
Some experts think the thirst mechanism becomes deficient in old
age, while others suggest that medications may be responsible.
Whatever the cause, dehydration is common. People simply do not
drink enough water and do not feel thirsty. Additionally, many older
people were never in the habit of drinking water and often dislike it.
For the general maintenance of good hydration, at least four large
glasses of water a day are required, and some experts suggest that
this figure should be six ore even eight. This is apart from tea,
coffee, alcohol, soft drinks, or milk, which do not count. Only water
counts.
It is especially important to make sure that people with Alzheimer's
comsume sufficient fluids, since they are unlikely to express a wish
for drinks on their own initiative. If they are reluctant to drink large
amounts of water, give it to them in little glasses on a regular basis.
One or two small glasses per hour throughout the day will ensure
they get all the water they need. If they so not like water, add a
touch of fruit juice or squeeze some lemon into the water. Try an
herbal tea without any caffeine in it, either hot or cold, as another
way of getting fluid into them.
If the person is reluctant to drink, say "The doctor says you must."
That often works.
Confusion increases in people who are dehydrated, so always get
fluids into someone who seems to be particularly confused for no
known reason. Likewise, give a drink of water at periods of
agitation.
There is a quick-check test for dehydration. Pinch the person's
skin. If the skin takes a long time to settle into place, that person is
dehydrated.
Another clue is constipation. Despite everything that has been
claimed for fiber in the diet, the main reason why people are
constipated is that they do not drink enough water.
special attention since it causes particular problems in Alzheimer's.
Some experts think the thirst mechanism becomes deficient in old
age, while others suggest that medications may be responsible.
Whatever the cause, dehydration is common. People simply do not
drink enough water and do not feel thirsty. Additionally, many older
people were never in the habit of drinking water and often dislike it.
For the general maintenance of good hydration, at least four large
glasses of water a day are required, and some experts suggest that
this figure should be six ore even eight. This is apart from tea,
coffee, alcohol, soft drinks, or milk, which do not count. Only water
counts.
It is especially important to make sure that people with Alzheimer's
comsume sufficient fluids, since they are unlikely to express a wish
for drinks on their own initiative. If they are reluctant to drink large
amounts of water, give it to them in little glasses on a regular basis.
One or two small glasses per hour throughout the day will ensure
they get all the water they need. If they so not like water, add a
touch of fruit juice or squeeze some lemon into the water. Try an
herbal tea without any caffeine in it, either hot or cold, as another
way of getting fluid into them.
If the person is reluctant to drink, say "The doctor says you must."
That often works.
Confusion increases in people who are dehydrated, so always get
fluids into someone who seems to be particularly confused for no
known reason. Likewise, give a drink of water at periods of
agitation.
There is a quick-check test for dehydration. Pinch the person's
skin. If the skin takes a long time to settle into place, that person is
dehydrated.
Another clue is constipation. Despite everything that has been
claimed for fiber in the diet, the main reason why people are
constipated is that they do not drink enough water.
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Dehydration
Reprinted with permission from Frena Gray-Davidson, from her book,
"The Alzheimer's Sourcebook For Caregivers"
Third Edition, 1999, Published by Lowell House ISBN 0-7373-0131-7
Frena Gray-Davidson Alzheimer's Guide website address
http://www.speakingdementia.com/default.htm
Reprinted with permission from Frena Gray-Davidson, from her book,
"The Alzheimer's Sourcebook For Caregivers"
Third Edition, 1999, Published by Lowell House ISBN 0-7373-0131-7
Frena Gray-Davidson Alzheimer's Guide website address
http://www.speakingdementia.com/default.htm
| Allows for dribble-free drinking while lying down. $3.95 The Flo-Trol Convalescent Feeding Cup allows dribble-free drinking without the need for the person to sit up or raise the head. Merely placing a finger over the vent hole in feeding cup controls the amount of liquid coming through the mouthpiece. This aid to daily living reduces the amount of liquid accidentally spilled. Features Dishwasher & autoclave safe. Graduated at 4, 6 and 8 oz. levels. Opening in mouthpiece is large enough for a straw . Specifications Capacity: 8 ounces. |
| The Dysphagia Cup $29.95 is for people who have dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. Cup design directs liquids to the center of the mouth, helps to prevent liquid from escaping at the lips, and provides nose clearance to empty the cup without tilting the head back. Weighted base slows tremors. Dishwasher safe. |
 | PROVALEŽ Cup - $ 41.95 Thanks to the input from hundreds of Speech-Language Pathologists & Occupational Therapists the final design of The PROVALEŽ Cup is now available.Simply by tipping the Provale cup in a normal drinking motion, 5 or 10 cc of liquid is delivered. By returning the cup to its upright position, the chamber is refilled and ready to deliver another 5 or 10 cc. The Provale cup encourages normal drinking habits and small swallows. May help eliminate the need for pre-thickened liquids with some patients with dysphagia. Nose clearance minimizes head tilt. Easy to disassemble for cleaning. The Provale cup is dishwasher safe. Patented anti-suck mechanism prevents over-delivery of fluids. Transparent Outer Cup model allows liquid activity monitoring. Use with or without provided handles. Dishwasher safe.The advantages The PROVALEŽ Drinking Cup are:*Delivers a fixed delivery amount of liquid with every normal drinking motion. The New PROVALEŽ Cup's ease of use may allow for more patient independence. Because individual patient needs vary, a trained healthcare professional must make the decision on patient independence.*Patented mechanism prevents over-delivery of fluid. Unlike a "sippy" cup, The New PROVALE Cup has a patented feature that prevents over-delivery of fluid when the cup is used properly. Sucking on the drinking spout will not result in additional fluid being dispensed.*Good nose clearance to minimize head tilt. The Cup-In-A-Cup design of The PROVALE Cup provides very good nose clearance which allows patients to keep their chin in a proper position to make a good swallow. The inner or middle cup contains an angled channel that also allows the user to keep their chin in a good position for a proper swallow.*Can be used with water, nutritional supplements, and some thickened liquid products.*Optional one or two easy-grip-handle or no-handle design.*Travel-mug appearance is functional, yet inconspicuous. The PROVALEŽ Cup is designed with patient integrity in mind.*Designed to utilize normal drinking motion.*Easy and logical to assemble.*Easy-to-clean and institutional dishwasher-safe. No valves or tubes to clean.*Broad base to minimize tipping and spilling. |
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