How Much Water Should Your Dad Drink During a Heatwave?

During a heatwave, you do not want your dad to become overheated or dehydrated. He never complains of feeling thirsty, but you’re not convinced he drinks enough water. How much water should he drink during a heatwave?

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine suggest men drink just over 15 cups of water every day. Some of his fluids come from the foods he eats. Even if you account for that 20 percent, he still needs to drink 12.4 cups. That’s far more than the old standard of 8 cups. What about when it’s hot outside, should he be drinking more?

It Depends on His Activities

Home Care Salisbury, NC: Water Intake

If your dad is active while it’s hot, he may need to drink more. If he’s sweating more, he needs to drink more. If not, he could become dehydrated. How will you tell?

One way is to pay attention to how often he has to go to the bathroom. Ideally, he should be flushing out the kidneys and bladder every couple of hours. Doctors will tell you that your urine should be pale in color and not yellow or dark. If it isn’t pale, he’s not drinking enough.

Ways to Increase His Fluid Intake 

If your dad doesn’t like drinking water, it can be hard to get him to drink enough. Try switching away from water. He might like seltzer with a slice of orange more than plain water. He might like water with frozen berries instead of ice cubes.

Make iced tea with an herbal tea blend. Don’t sweeten it. Muddle mint leaves with fresh lemon or lime for a refreshing herbal iced tea. Fresh basil leaves and frozen strawberries make a tasty herbal fruit tea.

Serve your dad fruit pieces as snacks. Melon, berries, citrus fruit, grapes, and peaches have a high water content. Keep cubed fruit in the fridge for grab-and-go snacks. On less busy days, you can refill the containers.

Is anyone around to remind your dad to have another glass of water? It’s important to make sure someone is checking on your dad during a heatwave. If he’s not drinking enough, a caregiver could offer reminders. If he seems to be overheating, the caregiver can seek medical attention for him.

Home care services include meal preparation, reminders, companionship, and other services that make sure someone stops by regularly. Call a home care agency to discuss these services and other ways to help your dad stay safe when the temperature soars. 

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Salisbury NC, contact the caring professionals at TenderHearted Home Care today. Call us at (704) 612-4132 

Sources: 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256#