Dehydration can be deadly to even the healthiest individuals. How hard it is, to keep our Loved Ones hydrated. Dehydration symptoms can mimic a UTI, and/or be a huge contributing factor.

Here is a link to a list of the water content of most fresh foods:
Water Content of Foods

These can be incorporated into their diets, in addition to any liquids you can get them to drink. Instead of trying to get them to consume larger quantities, offer smaller quantities, as frequently as you can.

Fresh fruits and vegetables can be incorporated as snacks, many times a day. Fruits with ice cream, pudding, yogurt, whipped cream, etc. Veggies with dip, melted cheese. Cook vegetables in the microwave, or steamed, to retain water content. Fruit smoothies and veggie juice!

Don't forget jello, koolaid, etc. Do watch the sugar contents. I have always used 3/4c. sugar instead of 1c. in our koolaid.

Some dry foods, like pasta and beans, are like sponges, and absorb water when cooked.

Please, add to this list, with ideas of your own, with ways you have found, to increase hydration!

maebee-good timing for your post with the hot weather. The facility that my husband lives in has hydration reminders up on all the walls.

I sneak in hydration with my dad. He won't drink much water or liquid in a glass because he associates that with having to use the restroom alot, so we have sugar-free puddings, sugar-free jello, sugar-free popsicles and fudgicles, watermelon in the summer and summer fruits, sugar-free ice cream, sometimes a Boost shake with sugar-free ice cream made into a milkshake. He has fruit and vegetables every day.

I noticed that blueberries(84% water), and zucchini(95% water) were not on the list.

Mycats, popsicles, YES! Great suggestion!

Popsicles are what I give to keep Mom hydrated,
also.She loves them!

Funny story about the popsicles. One unseasonably hot night and I gave my dad three popsicles in a row. He loves them, but by the third one, he looked at me and said, "are you trying to hydrate me?" I had to smile because he knew exactly what I was trying to do.

How cute,Mycats!

hahaha... That's too cute Mycats!

My husband views anything in a glass with suspicion. He likes cereal for breakfast, and is perfectly capable of pouring the milk on his bowlful. However, I've taken to doing it myself, before I bring him the bowl, so I can drown the cereal in lowfat milk. He spoons up every drop, and so far, doesn't seem to understand what I'm doing.

(maebee, that link is a great resource, and this is a great topic. Thanks!)

Gotta go and cut up watermelon! Thanks Maebee...

I keep wondering if milk -- even though it is a liquid -- helps with dehydration as much as water and juices.

Any one really know the science?

Cow's milk is 87% water. Then you have to consider the milk fat content, and possibly lactose intolerance. It is probably not as good as water, but better than nothing. Sugar content of juices also needs to be considered.

I have tried those new Welch's AquaJuice™, and find them lighter than regular juice, but a lot tastier than plain water, or flavored water.

I'm having to 'force' liquids on Mom too as she seems to have lost her sense of thirst. Doing well with Diet Coke and club soda sweetened with Rose's Lime Juice (for like a cordial). I can tell when Mom's getting 'dry' as she does really weird things, says weird things, and gets kinda crazed!

We have found that using a smaller cup isn't as intimidating to Mom. Much easier to get her to drink 4 oz's then 8+

I will often walk by with something I have been drinking (but not really) and say "WOW! this is good, want to try it?? Before I know it, she has sipped it down.

Soups, soups and more soups. Now that summer is here, chilled soups are great!

Mom really likes the Activia powder that you can mix with water. Anything to change plain water into something else.

And straws help her drink more too.

It's warming up around here, again!

Thanks, serendipity-if you Google "summer soups" you will get lots of recipes.