There are an endless assortment of risks that those in nursing homes face. As the body ages, it becomes worse at protecting and regenerating itself. Small infections can become deadly in just a day. A fall can mean broken bones and even death at times. However these dangers are well known within the nursing homes themselves.
What is less known as a danger is simply dehydration. The issue with dehydration is that it’s not always the result of a lack of water intake. Water in the body does not always equal water in the cells, where it really counts. Malnutrition, wounds, and infection all affect how the water entering the body is actually processed.
This is a problem as, in practice, 51% of nursing home patients can be considered dehydrated. The more dehydrated, the higher the risk that falls occur, recovery takes longer, and hospital stays become frequent. Another added level of nuance comes in the form of medication, many making hydration even harder. Anticonvulsants, depressants, and diabetics can also increase hydration and then negative effects it brings.
Fortunately, there are modern solutions to this modern problem. Most prominently, infusions, direct supplements of nutrition, are becoming more popular. Micronutrients are becoming a priority at large in senior populations. They can help individuals better fight infections, stay cognizant, and keep off consistent problems.
Most importantly though, they can supplement hydration. The most important water-based nutrients, things like Vitamin C, B12, and B Complex, can be applied intravenously. The issue in nursing homes is that not every issue can be addressed. Medication to help with diabetes can hurt other health issues or, as was discussed, increase dehydration. Focusing on broader level nutrients is a hopeful solution because it aims to only help individuals. A more complete and healthy body can deal with all of its issues better, regardless of age.
Source: DriptIV.com