Humans, just like almost all other animals, depend on water for survival. It is so important to our body’s functionality that even slight dehydration (less than 5% of daily water requirements) can have a major negative influence on our physical health. Fluid will be drawn from essential organs into the bloodstream, which can cause weariness, mood swings, and decline in cognitive ability. It is insufficient to merely drink enough water on its own- electrolytes from vitamins and minerals are required for the water to actually be absorbed into cells. 

More than half of the elderly inhabitants of nursing homes experience signs of dehydration. The elderly are especially susceptible, because they often take a lot of medication that can make it hard for them to hold down fluids, including drugs like antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and diabetes. Their cognitive deterioration also makes it more difficult for them to identify the signs of dehydration within their own body and properly express their needs to caretakers.

Ignoring dehydration in nursing homes can result in higher mortality rates, longer hospital stays, slower healing, and an increased risk of falls. When observing older patients, caregivers need to be on the lookout for signs of dehydration and take preventative action. One solution can be IV therapy, which infuses key micronutrients directly into the patient to combat dehydration.