How to Help a Loved One with Dementia Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is essential at every age but for older adults, especially those living with dementia, dehydration can sneak up quickly and cause serious health issues.

Confusion. Fatigue. Falls. UTIs. All of these are common complications of dehydration. Yet many people living with dementia may no longer recognize thirst or remember how to ask for a drink. As a caregiver, you may feel stuck between constant reminders and gentle nudges that don’t always work.

Let’s talk about practical, dementia-friendly strategies that actually help.

Why Hydration is a Challenge in Dementia

Dementia affects how the brain processes body signals—like hunger, fullness, or thirst. Your loved one might:

• Forget they haven’t had anything to drink

• Lose the ability to ask for help

• Have difficulty holding a cup

• Confuse a drink for something else

• Resist care, especially if they feel rushed or anxious

This isn’t stubbornness, it’s brain change.

The good news? There are ways to help that don’t rely on verbal instructions or nagging. You just have to meet the brain where it’s at.

KSH-Recommended Tips for Hydrating a Loved One with Dementia

1. Use Muscle Memory: Put the Cup in Their Hand

Instead of asking “Would you like a drink?” or “Can you drink this?” simply place a cup in their hand.
💧 Why it works: Their body often recognizes the shape and action instinctively, like brushing hair or using utensils. Without prompting, they may automatically sip.

2. Offer Small Sips Throughout the Day

Instead of pushing full glasses of water, offer 2–4 oz. at a time every 1–2 hours.
Think of it like giving medication… regular, gentle doses.

3. Use Colorful or Familiar Cups

Bright-colored cups are easier to see. If your loved one had a favorite mug or travel cup, use it! Familiarity can trigger comfort and recognition.

4. Make It a Shared Moment

People with dementia often mimic the actions of those around them. Sit down with them, take a sip yourself, and smile.
“Let’s have a little tea break together.”

5. Try Different Textures & Temperatures

Some people with dementia prefer:

• Warm drinks (like herbal tea or broth)

• Cold drinks (like lemonade or iced water)

• Thickened drinks, smoothies, or popsicles

Explore what feels comforting to them.

6. Add Hydrating Foods

Water isn’t the only way to hydrate. Offer:

• Watermelon, cucumbers, or oranges

• Yogurt or pudding cups

• Ice chips or crushed ice

• Popsicles or Jell-O

These can be less intimidating than a big cup of water.

7. Make It Part of the Routine

Serve drinks with every activity: before a walk, during TV time, after toileting, with every meal or snack. The more consistent it becomes, the more their body will expect it.

You're Not Alone We’re Here to Help

At KSH Aging Solutions, we support families navigating dementia with dignity, empathy, and practical tools. Hydration may seem like a small thing but it can make a world of difference in comfort, safety, and connection.

If you need help creating a personalized dementia care plan, reach out to us anytime. We’re here to walk this path with you.

💚 Stay kind. Stay patient. Stay hydrated.