For many, moving into a nursing home is the best option for both themselves and their family. This tumultuous time is filled with stress from changing environments, social circles, and lifestyles. Oftentimes, smaller parts of our lives like nutrition, hydration, and diet can be overlooked in favor of the much larger issues at hand. Unfortunately, while these factors may seem trivial, they actually contribute to a larger portion of one's well being and affect over half of nursing home residents. But what are the main reasons driving dehydration in nursing homes?
Well, firstly it's important to understand hydration. Hydration does not necessarily equate to water intake into the body, but rather the amount of water inside the cells. So, for example, if someone is deficient in potassium or has an excess of sodium, this could hinder water uptake to cells. Therefore, when transferring to a nursing home, you may need more acute care based on your nutrient levels and standard fluid intake. Pre-existing issues like malnutrition risks or wounds and infections can also exacerbate dehydration risks.
But one of the greatest confounding factors is age. As people get older, it is more likely they are put on medications. Antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and anti-diabetics are all known to deplete fluids, which elevates the risk of dehydration in these patients. Aging kidneys are also less effective at balancing salt and excess electrolytes, and the body is not always able to signal thirst to the brain. Oftentimes, elderly patients see cognitive decline that make them unable to communicate needs to their caregivers, even if they are able to recognize their thirst.
Dehydration affects the body on a cellular level first, then manifests into larger symptoms. Usually it inhibits a cell's ability to balance extracellular fluids, so it sources it from the organs and the bloodstream. From there, it typically results in worsening mood, more fatigue, and decreased cognitive function. It also increases the risk for falls, prolonged surgical recovery times, longer hospital stays, and worse overall patient outcomes.
Fortunately, Dript IV Therapy offers a solution in the form of IV bags. These bags offer a supplement in addition to the patient's diet aimed at filling the gaps where nutrient deficiencies may be. By combining both the necessary fluids to hydrate, as well as plenty of nutrients to ensure it is properly absorbed into the cells. But these bags do much more than hydrate.
The fluids help to reset the baseline for sustained oral hydration, meaning you have to drink even less water on average due to the balanced electrolytes. The combination of biotin, zinc, and amino acids helps to repair any chronic wounds. Simultaneously, the glutathione and vitamin B5 blend helps to ward off infections for injured or immunocompromised patients. Proper hydration and supplemental nutrition help to improve and maintain the cognition for nursing home patients. Whether you're in it for the nutrition, hydration, or the benefits of both, it is easy to see how Dript IV bags can help you take care of your hydration worries.
