Thanksgiving to Your Health and Hydration -Tips for Optimal In-Home Care

from Terri DiMaria, guest blogger for Hearthside Home Care, who lives in Greensboro, North Carolina

Before I get started, and forget – I must tell you how fabulous the Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner is that we ordered from MagicKitchen – if you are busy and would like to cook but can’t this Thanksgiving – I encourage you to give this a try – Thanksgiving Dinner shipped straight to your home or to your office by simply clicking here

We all know the importance of getting our fluids during the hot summer months, but did you know
it is just as important every day of the year? This post is about the importance of good nutrition and hydration.

As we age, our kidney function decreases. Potassium can build up in our bodies and make it harder for our kidneys to work. Dry air can also contribute to dehydration which is a major cause of illness and ultimately hospitalization.

I learned a few tips on getting enough fluids after my father lost his bladder to cancer. Older people with diabetes or who have lost a bladder have more trouble with their kidneys and are susceptible to kidney infections. My father was hospitalized for a severe kidney infection because he wasn’t getting enough fluids. He also has to watch his diet and severely cut back on foods high in potassium.

Here’s how I encourage my father to drink more:

1. Have a good drinking vessel that is easily carried. (I bought him several.)
2. Use a straw. If you don’t especially like water, this is a way to get it down more easily.
3. Drink a variety of fluids – Coffee, Tea, Juice, but mostly water.
4. Get your fluids through your foods such as soups and fruits.
5. Never leave home without a container of water.
6. Always have water next to where you sit while relaxing.
7. Take a container of water with you when you go to bed.
8. Drink plenty of fluids with your meals.
9. Avoid alcohol – it will cause you to dehydrate faster.
10. If you’re having trouble getting your older loved one to drink enough and they’re not diabetic, try drinks that are sweet, such as juice. I like to add a little lemon or lime juice to my water. It really helps me to drink more.

In the home, if you or your loved one is diabetic, you may have to watch for foods that are high in potassium – Potatoes, oranges, broccoli, beans (except for green beans), whole wheat products, chocolate, and nuts of any kind. You can check out a more extensive list on WebMD.

My mother has had to substitute their much-enjoyed potato dishes with rice. It took her a while to give up their potatoes, but a bowl of potato soup put my father in the hospital. Too much or too little potassium will cause the same side effects. Symptoms include muscle cramps, stomach cramps, vomiting and back aches.

Delicious food for all types of diets is so easy to order – straight to your doorstep, at home or at the office – Don’t forget about Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner too!

I hope these tips for optimal in-home care, taking into account good nutrition and hydration will help you and your older loved one every day of the year! ~ Terri, Guest Blogger for Hearthside Home Care