I measure (right in front of him) 8 cups of water into a pitcher. I told him that once the water is gone from the pitcher, then he's had plenty of water for that day. Does not matter what glass you pour the water into as long as it's from that pitcher. His occupational therapist told him the same thing - he doesn't believe her. She tried to explain that you get your daily water from water as well as foods. He didn't believe her.
In his defense, when he was in rehab after his fall, he did experience severe dehydration and was sent to the emergency room for fluids (the doctor noticed he was unresponsive when he was doing rounds in the morning). Naturally, he is extremely fearful of it happening again. He's been living with us for over 2 months and is eating and drinking normally. He's very alert and his overall physical apperance has improved dramatically. His blood pressure is perfect. I scheduled his annual physical for next week with his primary. I'm hoping the doctor can reassure him he's ok.
Thank goodness his drink of choice is non-alcoholic, inexpensive and easily accessible!
If that's what makes him happy, a glass of water, why not enjoy it. You did not explain the obssecion part-does he want to drink it all at once? Asks for water all the time? Needs to see the pouring of water from the pitcher?
Otherwise, he seems to be doing very well.
However, for an elder, taking TOO MUCH WATER can be just as serious a problem and a much quicker killer. This is because with age the heart, as a pump weakens and fluid accumulates in the peripheral areas, but worse, in the lungs. This can be an instant killer in cases of left heart failure and is called "flash pulmonary edema". If the senior is obsessed with fluid intake then one should be on watch for signs of fluid overload. Weight should be done daily and three pound gain a worry, assess whether able to breathe easily at rest laying flat. Check legs for pitting edema (you press in thumb or finger and the dent stays there for some seconds).
This is something for you and your senior to discuss with doctor--and to ascertain how much fluid should be taken. If there is dementia at all then it is often difficult when an "obsession" like this takes hold. Wishing you good luck going forward.
Moderation in all things, I guess!
if he experienced dehydration, UTI and fall, He will be doing everything he can do avoid it again. I think your dad is fab for making sure he is drinking enough and wonderful he’s doing so well.
(my dad has a catheter due to recurrent UTIs, enlarged prostate and CKD, we regularly bicker about getting him to drink more fluids.)
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