My dad has had pneumonia twice in a year and almost died both times. He and my mom live alone in their own home. He is very weak and does not like to drink much. He hates water, flavored water, tea, lemonade, Gatorade etc. he is getting dehydrated again and I don't know what to give him to drink. Any suggestions? I don't want to see him go back in the hospital again. He is 88.
My father didn't drink a lot of water, but he would drink sodas sometimes. We do what we can to get enough fluids in them. If he'll eat salads it will help get water into him to wash the vegetables and leave them wet as possible. My father never complained, but I think he had trouble swallowing liquids. He also probably figured he wouldn't have to use the bathroom as much if he didn't drink. We do what we can.
The threat of going to the hospital...you need to drink more so that you don't have to go to the hospital to get IV can be powerful. Recently, mom's Dr. ordered visiting nurse services. 2 x a week there is someone else besides me encouraging fluids and checking on her condition and talking with Dr. if needed. Medicare pays for this if the reason is to keep someone out of the hospital or nursing home. (more cost effective).