How can I afford a Care Advisor?

Anyone can afford an Assisted Living Locator Care Advisor. That’s because we are paid only when we help you make a decision about your senior’s living location and we are paid by the location you choose. And because we only receive payment when you’re paying the Care Community directly, we’ll also put you in touch with your state’s social service network to make sure that you receive the proper state support in the event that you are unable to pay for senior care and housing yourself.

What can a Care Advisor help me with?

An Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor specializes in knowing your senior housing and in home care options, but via their referral network they can connect you with state resources in the event that you need to consider state resources to finance and secure senior housing, as well as a wide variety of specialists who focus on some aspect of the senior services industry- Eldercare Attorneys, Financial Specialists, Real Estate Agents, Downsizing Specialists, Home Health Experts, and just about any other senior service need you can think of.

Who is my Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor?

Glad you asked. This site gives you a number of ways to find your local Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor. Pick one and we’ll either get them on the phone, or make sure that they contact you in a timely fashion. Click here to get to our Care Advisor page.

How are Care Advisors trained?

Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisors are vetted for the right set of skills before they ever even buy a franchise. Once they do, we provide comprehensive initial training and a 13 week “in community” onboarding process. We ask all Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisors to become Certified Senior Advisors, a nationwide accreditation program that provides additional industry specific knowledge. Care Advisors also participate in continuing education provided by us and provided by local senior oriented industry associations to ensure that they understand the latest tools, techniques and industry rules and regulations to help you navigate the senior experience.

What does a Care Advisor do?

An Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor spends time at each of the communities and homes in your local area. They understand how well the community is performing against state standards and they understand what the community is good at- in short, they understand what isn’t in the community’s glossy brochure. An Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor networks to ensure that they have a broad array of qualified resource team members that they can call on to help deal with challenges beyond senior housing and care, which is their own area of expertise. And Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisors spend time with families and seniors. They can’t help if they don’t know and understand you and your family. Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisors have a structured way to identify important needs that you and your senior have, which they then use to match you to the best community choices or the best members of their resource network that can meet your needs.

Who is Assisted Living Locators®?

A franchise business based in Arizona, with local owners and operators across the US. Our Care Advisors bring problem solving skills and compassion to your local senior community, and we supply the training, processes and industry knowledge they need to provide you with the help you want.

Where are your Care Advisors located?

Everywhere. If we don’t have a Care Advisor yet in your local area, we’ll find you an affiliate advisor who can help. But every month we train more Care Advisors to meet the growing needs of seniors in every community across the US. You can find your local Care Advisor by using the tools on this website. And because we are nationwide, we can help you in your town or in towns all across the US.

When should I contact an Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor?

Since Care Advisors understand the entire range of living options available to seniors, any family with a senior over 55 can benefit from their expertise. Use us to understand your independent living options if your senior wants more time for leisure pursuits after 55. Use us especially when you are concerned about the safety or health of your senior loved one. And it’s critically important that you reach out to us if your senior is in the hospital or rehabilitation facility so that we help you navigate the immediate next health care and housing steps that must be taken, giving you a voice in how the health care and insurance systems in your state manage your senior’s needs.

Hydration Tips for Seniors and Caregivers

By Angela Olea

Published July 6, 2023

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As people age, their bodies handle water differently. They naturally have less water in their bodies because they lose muscle and gain fat. This makes older folks more likely to get dehydrated.

What’s more, as we get older, we don’t feel thirsty as much. This means seniors might not drink as much as they need, raising the chances of dehydration.

Also, some illnesses and medicines that are common in older adults mess with the body’s water balance. Issues like diabetes and heart disease, as well as medicines like water pills, can make the body lose fluids.

Recommended Daily Fluid Intake for Seniors

How much water should seniors drink? It depends on things like age, health, and how active they are. But a good rule is at least 8 cups (64 ounces) of fluids a day. This isn’t just water but also includes drinks and watery foods like fruits.

Water should be the go-to drink because it helps with digestion, blood flow, and keeping cool. Plus, it has no calories or sugar.

Besides water, herbal teas, decaf drinks, and low-sugar juices are good. But it’s best to go easy on drinks with caffeine or lots of sugar, as they can make dehydration worse.

Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration in Older Adults

Detecting dehydration in older adults can be challenging, as the signs and symptoms may not be as apparent as in younger individuals. It is crucial for both seniors and their caregivers to be aware of the following signs and symptoms:

Dry mouth and sticky saliva
Thirst or a decreased desire to drink fluids
Fatigue or weakness
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Confusion or disorientation
Sunken eyes
Decreased urine output or dark-colored urine
Dry, cool skin
Headaches or migraines
Constipation

If dehydration is suspected, it is important to address it promptly. Encourage the individual to drink fluids, preferably water, and seek medical attention if the symptoms worsen or persist.

Factors Affecting Senior Hydration

Medications and Their Impact on Fluid Balance

Medications help seniors with health issues, but some mess with the body’s water levels and can cause dehydration. Diuretics, for example, make you pee more. Talking to a doctor about medicines and their side effects can help. It’s key for seniors to know how their meds work and drink enough water to balance things out.

Common Health Conditions That Increase the Risk of Dehydration

Health issues common in seniors, like diabetes, can make dehydration more likely. Diabetes makes you pee more and can hurt kidney function, making hydration tricky. Kidney issues and stomach problems can mess with water levels too. Seniors with these problems need to watch their water intake and work with doctors to stay on top of it.

Practical Tips for Encouraging Hydration in Seniors

Hot weather can make seniors dehydrated, especially if they can’t feel thirst or control body temperature well. To stay hydrated, seniors should drink even if they’re not thirsty and avoid too much heat. Seniors in care homes need help accessing water. Everyone involved should work together to keep seniors hydrated and healthy.

Offer a Variety of Suitable Fluids

Provide a range of appealing options considering seniors’ needs, including flavored water, herbal teas, broths, soups, fruits, and vegetables with high water content. Consider individual preferences and cultural backgrounds.

Suggest adding fruit slices, herbal or fruit teas, or using water filters to enhance taste. Insulated bottles with straws or spouts can make water more convenient, especially for those with mobility challenges.

Make Drinking Water Enjoyable

Set up gentle reminders or alarms to prompt regular fluid intake. Encourage seniors to drink water upon waking up, before meals, and before bedtime to establish a hydration routine.

Emphasize Balanced Electrolyte Intake

Discuss the importance of consuming foods rich in electrolytes, like bananas, oranges, yogurt, and nuts, to maintain fluid balance. However, seniors with specific medical conditions should consult healthcare providers for personalized guidance.

An elderly person enjoying a refreshing water.

Addressing Challenges and Barriers to Hydration

One of the common challenges faced by individuals, especially seniors, is a change in taste preferences and a loss of appetite. These factors can make it challenging to consume an adequate amount of fluid throughout the day. However, several strategies can help overcome this barrier:

Flavorful alternatives: Infusing water with fruits, such as citrus slices or berries, can add a hint of flavor without relying on sugary or artificially flavored beverages. Herbal teas or flavored water can also provide variety and make hydration more appealing.
Temperature preferences: Some individuals find cold beverages less palatable. Offering room temperature or warm fluids, like herbal teas or broths, may be more enticing and easier to consume.
Snack on hydrating foods: Many fruits and vegetables have high water content. Encouraging the consumption of watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and other hydrating foods can contribute to overall fluid intake.
Small, frequent sips: Instead of drinking large volumes of fluid at once, encourage regular, small sips throughout the day. This approach can be less overwhelming and help maintain hydration levels.

Managing Urinary Incontinence and Frequent Bathroom Visits

Seniors dealing with urinary incontinence and frequent bathroom visits may be hesitant to consume an adequate amount of fluids. Fear of accidents or inconveniences can lead to reduced fluid intake, which can have adverse effects on overall health. Here are some strategies to address this challenge:

Timed fluid intake: Encourage individuals to consume most of their fluids earlier in the day, allowing time for the body to process them and reducing the frequency of nighttime bathroom visits.
Bladder training: Gradually increasing the interval between bathroom visits can help improve bladder control and reduce the frequency of urination. Consulting a healthcare professional, such as a urologist or a physical therapist, can provide personalized guidance.
Assistive devices: For individuals with mobility issues, using assistive devices such as bedside commodes or urinals can make bathroom visits more convenient and reduce the fear of accidents.
Pelvic floor exercises: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through exercises like Kegels can help improve bladder control and reduce instances of incontinence. A healthcare professional can provide guidance on performing these exercises correctly.

Discussing Hydration With Seniors Experiencing Cognitive Decline

Seniors experiencing cognitive decline, such as those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, may struggle to understand or remember the importance of staying hydrated. Engaging in conversations about hydration can be challenging, but the following strategies can help:

Visual reminders: Placing visual cues, such as colorful signs or pictures depicting water, near the person’s living area or on water bottles, can serve as reminders to drink fluids.
Setting a routine: Establishing a consistent hydration routine can help make drinking fluids a habit. Offering fluids at regular intervals, like during meals or medication times, can increase the likelihood of consumption.
Simplifying choices: Presenting limited options can make decision-making easier for individuals with cognitive decline. Offering choices between two different beverages or using a contrasting-colored cup can help stimulate interest and facilitate decision-making.
Family involvement: Engaging family members and caregivers in the conversation about hydration can provide support and reinforce the importance of drinking fluids

Hydration Assistance and Support

Family members and caregivers play a vital role in supporting and promoting hydration for their loved ones. By encouraging their active involvement and providing them with the necessary education, we can ensure that individuals receive the support they need. Here are some strategies to consider:

Education on hydration importance
Encourage active participation
Training on hydration signs and symptoms
Collaboration with healthcare professionals

Benefits of Hydration Monitoring Tools and Apps

Tracking Fluid Intake

Hydration apps and monitoring tools allow individuals to track their daily fluid intake easily. These tools provide a visual representation of consumed fluids, making it easier to identify any gaps in hydration.

Setting Reminders

Hydration apps can send notifications and reminders to individuals and caregivers, prompting them to drink fluids at regular intervals. These reminders can be particularly helpful for those with busy schedules or individuals who may forget to hydrate.

Customized Recommendations

Some hydration apps offer personalized recommendations based on factors such as age, weight, and activity level. These recommendations can help individuals meet their specific hydration needs.

Monitoring Hydration Levels

Certain hydration monitoring tools use wearable devices or smart water bottles that track an individual’s hydration levels in real time. These devices provide feedback on the individual’s hydration status and can be particularly useful for those with medical conditions or specific hydration goals.

Hydration is essential for the well-being of seniors, but it can pose challenges due to various factors such as aging, health conditions, medication use, and environmental factors.

By implementing practical strategies and addressing barriers, we can promote and maintain proper hydration in seniors. Offering a variety of suitable fluids, making hydration enjoyable, establishing reminders and routines, emphasizing balanced electrolyte intake, and addressing specific challenges like cognitive decline and urinary incontinence can all contribute to ensuring seniors stay adequately hydrated.

Additionally, involving family members, utilizing hydration monitoring tools and apps, and accessing community resources and support groups can provide valuable assistance in promoting hydration. By prioritizing hydration, we can help seniors maintain their health, vitality, and overall quality of life.