With the exception of camping trips I have never had to draw water and carry it home. The droughts I have experienced meant the lawn and flowerbeds deteriorated, because water was rationed. The water that flows from my taps is potable. I do not need to filter or boil my water. Yet I am in the midst of a water crisis: The octogenarian refuses to drink but a few mouthfuls a day.

Dehydration can lead to:

1. Confusion
2. Kidney malfunction
3. Urinary tract infection
4. Death

Confusion is insidious because impaired cognitive function means she doesn’t understand why she must drink. She hates to drink. She always has. She had youth on her side; her age works against her now.

Have you checked the liquid intake of your elderly folk?