MIL isn’t drinking and she keeps getting UTI’s. Other than sitting with her and constantly reminding her to drink what else can be done? At our wits end here since you tell her to drink she sips a tiny amount and that’s it. She’s basically bed ridden so she’s upstairs and it’s trip after trip up and down the stairs (with a bad back and knees) just to get her to sip water! Anyone else have this problem?
Cucumber, 96% water. – that's the highest water content of any food.
Tomatoes, 95% water.
Spinach, 93% water.
Broccoli, 90% water. ...
Brussel sprouts, 88% water. ...
Oranges, 86% water. ...
Apples, 85% water.
Blueberries: 84% water
Mushrooms, 92% water
Trying to get a 90 year old bedridden woman to drink water is nearly impossible, as you're seeing yourself. The UTIs will just keep coming and wind up putting her in the hospital, more than likely.
It may be time to consider placing MIL in a Skilled Nursing Facility at this point; have you thought about doing that? My aunt was living with her daughter, bedridden as well, for several years. My cousin called us to let us know mom was dying and to come say our goodbyes. We did and she looked pretty bad. For some reason I cannot remember, my cousin wound up placing her in a SNF and my aunt wound up living 4 more years; as they were able to get her out of bed every day and mingling with the other residents, eating in the dining room, and things of that nature.
Just a thought. So sorry you are dealing with such a frustrating issue. Wishing you all the best of luck moving forward.
Also, I've read on this site that a supplement called D-Mannose is good. I told my mom about it and she's going to get the clear from her doctor before starting. You might ask her doctor about that. Also, what about other things that have fluid like jello? I think what you have is a common problem.
I hope you'll get some more suggestions.
In the meantime, I'd set a bottle of water by her bed and if she is thirsty, she will drink. Also popsicles are a good way to get fluids in people, along with fruit drinks or even decaffeinated tea or coffee or even broth. She might do better with hot drinks.
After checking with her doctor you might want to try a cranberry supplement to help reduce the UTIs.
I use a baby monitor with an intercom to respond quicker to my mother and at times to keep in touch without needing to walk back to her room. Maybe you could ask her how much of her drink is still in her glass over the intercom?
Does she like, and can she eat ice cream? Or sherbet? Sometimes a little bit more sugar does the trick!
Yes basically impossible to get the elderly to drink enough. She will end up in the hospital which might not be such a bad thing. She'll probably get IV fluid to get hydrated and that's probably the only way it will happen!
I would also consider if she needs to be in a nursing home. This is a challenging situation, no doubt.
Does she need to be evaluated by hospice? Not sure of what else is wrong with her?
Good luck.