Medications: It’s not uncommon for seniors to be on several medications at any given time. Some of these may be diuretic, while others may cause patients to sweat more.
Decreased Thirst: A person’s sense of thirst becomes less acute as they age. In addition, frail seniors may have a harder time getting up to get a drink when they’re thirsty, or they may rely on caregivers who can’t sense that they need fluids.
Decreased Kidney Function: As we age our bodies lose kidney function and are less able to conserve fluid (this is progressive from around the age of 50 but becomes more acute and noticeable over the age of 70).
Illness: Vomiting and/or diarrhea can quickly cause elderly dehydration.
Keep a normal temperature.
Lubricate and cushion joints.
Helps with brain function.
Protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues.
Get rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements.
More Energy
Healthier Heart
Drink something every time you urinate
Drink something every time you eat
Drink something every time you brush your teeth
Keep fluids in reach all day
Use kid size bottles
Carry a water bottle with you and refill it throughout the day.
Freeze some freezer safe water bottles.
Choose water over sugary drinks.
Opt for water when eating out. You will save money and reduce calories.
Serve water during meals.
Add a wedge of lime or lemon to your water. This can help improve the taste.
Eight glasses a day is an easy rule to remember and a good general target. You can also use the body weight formula: take one-third of your body’s weight and drink that number of ounces in fluids. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, aim to drink 50 ounces of water each day.
John 4:14
But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.
Shelby Rush
Senior Advisor
Greater Gwinnett County
Born on Fort Benning and raised in Columbus, GA, Shelby received her BBA from Columbus State University in 2011. Throughout her tenure in the healthcare industry, she has focused on excellent customer service and building relationships with providers and families. She felt called to serve the senior living community and began working in the community setting in 2019. She is very familiar with the ins and outs of senior living and likes to find what makes each community special.
She enjoys taking the time to talk with families to discover what is most important to them and finding a lasting solution. Shelby married her high school sweetheart and together they have three beautiful children, Leo, Everett and Scarlet. She enjoys spending time with her family, running, and baking. |
“I am blessed to be able to live and work purposefully. It is a privilege to be a trusted resource and provide a personalized experience for seniors that meets their specific needs.“
“Atlanta’s Home for Information
and Inspiration for Living Your
Season of Life with Grace”
The Harvest is the heart of our company’s community ministry for speaking hope, love, and support. We created a platform for promoting, celebrating and connecting our area ministries, non-profits, and resource providers in the service of our elders and their families.
Each week, Hans and Amy field questions and spotlight community ministries. They provide informative and inspiring content focused on guiding Seniors and their Adult Children on healthy living, life planning, and care all resting on the foundation of God’s Word
Check out this month’s show about “Caring for the Caregiver”
Strength Training at Home
Realizing your own physical strength, to support your emotional strength and
mental strength while caregiving.
Benefits of Strength Training:
● Build everyday strength to accomplish daily tasks with ease
● Strengthening your bones against disease
● Lowering fall risk
● Regulating blood sugar
Easy Ways to Implement the Basics of Strength Training:
● Start with bodyweight exercises.
● Move on to resistance bands or any form of hand weight after strength is
built!
● While free weight exercises are more difficult, balance is improved at a
faster rate. However, free weight movements and resistance bands can be used
while seated for extra stability.
● If intimidated by a free-weight, start with a water bottle for bicep curls and
other upper-body movements.
● It is recommended to strength train twice a week to begin, and add more as
strength and mobility grow!
● A good way to begin is with 3 sets of 10-15 bodyweight squats which
strengthens your quads, hip flexors, and glutes.
Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the
strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Hope Gathering is a 501(c)3 non-profit Christian organization who desires to come alongside hurting widows bringing comfort, encouragement, community, hope and purpose.
The Geriatric Psychiatry Outpatient Services provide comprehensive services for adults ages 65 and older with depression, anxiety, and cognitive function disorders. Our array of outpatient programs offer individual and group therapy, incorporating diagnostic evaluation.