Dehydration in seniors is a common concern and one that can become dangerous rather quickly. You might struggle with your loved one drinking enough fluids, especially going into the hotter summer months(Opens in a new window).
If you are worried about fluid intake, you might wonder if an IV helps with dehydration(Opens in a new window) in seniors. Sometimes, it can, but there are some important things to be aware of.
Why Dehydration Is a Risk in Seniors and What to Look for
Dehydration affects one in four older adults(Opens in a new window). It happens when your body loses more fluids than you're taking in. Older adults have a lower amount of water in their bodies than younger adults. For instance, a baby's body weight is made up of about 75% water, whereas an older adult's body weight is about 50%-60% water.
Older adults may not feel their sense of thirst like they used to, so they may not drink enough fluids. They may not feel thirsty until they're experiencing dehydration(Opens in a new window).
Signs of Dehydration in Seniors
Some early signs of dehydration in seniors(Opens in a new window) might include:
- Dizziness
- Feeling tired
- Feeling very thirsty
- Not urinating as often
- Headaches
- Dry skin
- Dry eyes
The heat of the summer or illness can especially put older adults at risk for dehydration. Knowing what to look for and situations where dehydration is more likely can help you be proactive in keeping your loved one safe.
Risk Factors for Dehydration in Seniors
Certain chronic health conditions and situations make dehydration a risk factor. For instance, diabetes(Opens in a new window) that isn't well-controlled, or kidney problems(Opens in a new window) can put someone at higher risk for dehydration.
People who have had a stroke, dementia, or Parkinson's disease may have trouble swallowing, potentially leading to dehydration. And chronic constipation can also make it uncomfortable to eat or drink, causing some to drink less in order to avoid this discomfort.
Some older adults may have decreased mobility, physical limitations, or struggle to eat or drink independently. They may also avoid drinking if they're afraid of incontinence issues. And certain medications can potentially cause dehydration(Opens in a new window), such as water pills or laxatives.
When to Consider IV Fluids for Dehydration
How can you tell if your senior is dehydrated and needs fluids? There are some signs to watch for, such as:
- Sunken eyes, where you can see darkness or hollows under the eyes, is a sign of dehydration
- Skin tenting(Opens in a new window), where you can pull up skin on the hand or wrist and it's slow to return to normal
- Lack of tears
- Low blood pressure
- A change in thinking or awareness
The most common way to treat mild dehydration(Opens in a new window) is by drinking fluids, known as oral hydration. But this might not always be possible in older adults.
Physical limitations, cognition concerns, or more severe dehydration(Opens in a new window) can prevent seniors from getting the hydration they need just by oral hydration alone. An IV for dehydration might be necessary. With this treatment, an intravenous (IV) tube helps deliver fluids directly into a vein.
Severe Dehydration in Seniors Requires Medical Attention
Dehydration can be severe, and certain symptoms need to be evaluated by a healthcare professional in an urgent care or hospital emergency department. These can include confusion, fainting, not urinating, and a fast heartbeat or breathing.
These signs and symptoms are not a complete list and shouldn't be substituted for advice from a medical professional.
Benefits of IV Hydration
IV fluids for dehydration in seniors might be more beneficial than drinking liquids alone. These benefits include:
Immediate Fluid Replacement
Fluids that go directly into a vein can help hydrate a person faster(Opens in a new window) than drinking fluids, since it bypasses the digestive systems and is delivered right to the bloodstream. If your loved one has been experiencing nausea or vomiting and your loved one can't hold down water or an electrolyte drink, IV fluids can rehydrate someone more efficiently.
Balancing Electrolytes
Sodium and potassium levels can be depleted in diarrhea and vomiting(Opens in a new window), so IV fluids like normal saline or lactated Ringer's solution(Opens in a new window) also help balance electrolytes. Water alone doesn't contain the electrolytes needed to restore balance in the body. Electrolyte imbalances(Opens in a new window) can cause irregular heart rate, muscle cramps, and fatigue.
Rapid Symptom Relief
Since IV fluids enter the bloodstream much quicker than drinking fluids, your loved one can have quicker relief from dehydration symptoms such as low blood pressure and headaches.
Convenience and Accessibility
Home IV therapy can be a good option(Opens in a new window) that's safe and effective to prevent your loved one from having to be hospitalized. Older adults can experience sudden confusion(Opens in a new window) when they're in the hospital, so getting IV fluids in the comfort and familiarity of their own environment can be less distressing.
Potential Drawbacks of IV Hydration
While IV hydration can help many seniors, there are some drawbacks to be aware of.
Getting an IV placed can be uncomfortable, and your senior can have bruising at the IV site. The skin gets thinner as you get older, and losing some of the protective fatty layers can increase the chance of bruising(Opens in a new window).
There's also the potential for infection at the IV site, which can introduce more health concerns and the need for antibiotics. Additionally, an allergic reaction can happen if your senior is allergic to the type of fluid or the tape used to secure the IV.
A sign that there's too much fluid in the body(Opens in a new window), known as fluid overload, can also happen with IV hydration when the body's water and salt aren't balanced. Fluid overload can happen when IV fluids are given too quickly.
Healthcare professionals who are trained in monitoring for concerns must be the one to prescribe and administer IV fluids. They can take steps to prevent complications before they happen.
What to Expect During IV Treatment for Dehydration
The first step for IV treatment for dehydration is a consultation and an assessment by a healthcare provider. The provider will make a plan with your loved one and their caregivers for treatment. This includes the type of IV fluid your loved one needs.
A trained nurse will come to your home, set up the equipment, including the IV pump and IV lines. Usually, a nurse will place the IV in the top of the hand or inside of the elbow.
During treatment, the nurse will take your loved one's vital signs and assess how they're handling the IV treatment. An IV hydration treatment typically lasts about 30 to 60 minutes.
Using Home Infusion Therapy for Dehydration
IV fluids can be a valuable option that can address healthcare needs like dehydration in the comfort of your loved one's familiar environment.
It's hard to know when to get IV fluids for dehydration when you're a caregiver. Seniors can become dehydrated easily, especially if they have certain health concerns or have difficulty drinking fluids. But you're not alone, and we're here to help you navigate the need for home IV fluids.
FAQs
You might have questions about IV fluids for dehydration in seniors and when it's necessary. Here are answers to the common questions you might be wondering about.
Who might need regular IV hydration therapy?
If your senior is at risk for dehydration, has certain health conditions, or cannot drink fluids on their own regularly, they may need to have IV hydration therapy to keep them healthy and prevent a hospitalization.
How often should seniors get an IV for dehydration?
Your senior's healthcare provider determines how often IV fluid is needed for dehydration. This might depend on your loved one's memory or cognition concerns or health conditions and medications that affect hydration.
Do you need a prescription for IV fluids?
Yes, a healthcare provider needs to order IV fluids, regardless if it contains medications. A healthcare provider orders the type and amount of IV fluid based on your senior's age, weight, and any health conditions they may have.
Who should administer IV hydration therapy?
Typically, a trained nurse administers IV hydration therapy, but family caregivers can be trained to manage the infusion equipment and communicate concerns to the senior's healthcare team.
BrightStar Care® Can Help with IV Infusion Needs
BrightStar Care® is here to support your caregiving efforts for loved ones with health needs. Whether you're looking for in-home care services(Opens in a new window) or a registered nurse to help with IV fluids for dehydration, our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location(Opens in a new window) near you, contact us(Opens in a new window) online or call 866-618-7827 to learn more about how BrightStar Care® offers A Higher Standard®.