Aging parents - getting them to drink water

Drinking water is essential for our aging parents. 

Often times it is difficult to get a parent to drink enough water without even the threat of the summer heat warnings.   As a caregiver, this can be a daunting task.  You repeatedly put water in front of them, and they just ignore it or take the smallest sip and leave it alone.  They just don’t want to drink it.  

How can you get your parent to drink water, and make sure they stay hydrated?  There are several ways I got my father to drink water when I was his live-in caregiver.   Every time he finished a glass of water ( four oz size) he marked it on a list, or a chart that he made.  This appealed to his nature as a former engineer and project manager.  He felt he was accomplishing something.  Even though he had some dementia, I worked with his strengths and what I knew brought him joy.  

Plus there was a bonus:  if he drank the recommended amount of water daily he got a surprise.  The surprise might be a favorite candy, or dessert, or a lottery ticket or scratcher.  It might include watching a favorite movie, or tv show.   I often had an end of the week special bonus prize as well which was a special trip to a store, or a meal out, or a pizza.  

With a heat index that is often dangerous in many cities across the nation in the summer, and temperatures reaching well over a 100 degrees, it is necessary to make sure our parents are drinking sufficient water to stay hydrated, and avoid heat fatigue and stroke.

Caregiving is a stressful job, whether you are the son or daughter, relative, or hired professional.  Here are some additional tips to make the work smoother:

1. Emphasize your parent’s strong suits.  Keep them engaged with a daily fun project or outing that they can look forward to.  Easy crafts, making greeting cards, listening or playing music, are some ideas that break up the day from the drudgery of doctor visits and taking meds.  
2. Take them to the library, or a senior center where they can share time having lunch with other seniors.  Most senior centers will have fun activities and easy exercises to engage your parent.  BINGO is often a favorite.
3. Don’t worry so much what your parent can and can’t do.  Focus on what they can achieve and assist them in the process.  
4. Take care of yourself.  Loving kindness and compassion for yourself as well as your parents is a must.  Mindfulness meditation - as simple as taking ten minutes at a time to quiet your mind can be very helpful to strengthen your heart, resolve, and see what a gift it is to care for your parent.