How Do You Get a Person With Dementia to Drink Water? Practical Tips for Caregivers

Oct 6, 2025 4 min read •

nutrition Elderly Care Dementia Care

According to a systematic review published in 2023, approximately one in four older adults is dehydrated. For caregivers, this statistic highlights the crucial importance of learning how do you get a person with dementia to drink water, especially since cognitive changes can impair their ability to feel and communicate thirst. This guide offers compassionate, evidence-based methods to support your loved one's hydration.

Quick Summary

This resource provides caregivers with a comprehensive list of techniques to encourage adequate fluid intake in individuals with dementia. It covers creating consistent routines, using appealing drinks and high-water-content foods, adapting drinkware, and recognizing dehydration signs. Never pressure or scold, but instead use positive encouragement and creative approaches to ensure proper hydration.

Key Points

Offer Variety: Instead of just water, provide flavorful options like juice, broth, or infused water to increase appeal.
Create a Routine: Establish scheduled 'drink breaks' throughout the day, as consistency is comforting and helpful for individuals with dementia.
Use Visual Cues: Opt for brightly colored or clear cups and keep them in sight to remind your loved one to drink.
Integrate Hydrating Foods: Supplement fluid intake with water-rich foods such as fruits, soups, and Jell-O.
Adapt Drinkware: Use easy-to-hold cups, straws, or no-spill lids to accommodate physical limitations and prevent frustration.
Avoid Pressure: Use gentle, positive language and avoid scolding, as a calm approach is more effective in managing refusal.
Monitor Intake: Keep a log to track fluid consumption and watch for signs of dehydration, as thirst cues may be diminished.

Why Hydration Is a Critical Concern for People With Dementia

Dehydration is a serious health risk for older adults, particularly those with dementia. A person with dementia may forget to drink or lose the physical sensation of thirst, leading to a dangerous cycle. Dehydration can intensify existing cognitive symptoms like confusion and agitation and increase the risk of other medical problems, such as urinary tract infections, falls, and hospitalization. Staying adequately hydrated, however, can enhance mood, support physical function, and improve the effectiveness of medications. Caregivers play a vital role in implementing proactive strategies to prevent this downward spiral.

Creative Strategies to Encourage Drinking

Engaging a person with dementia to drink requires more than just placing a glass of water nearby. It's about making hydration appealing, easy, and routine. Patience is paramount, and it's essential to avoid confrontation or pressure, as this can increase resistance.

Making Water More Appealing

Offer variety: Don't limit offerings to just plain water. Explore options like diluted fruit juices, herbal teas, clear broths, or decaf coffee to find what they enjoy.
Infuse with flavor: Create your own infused water with slices of fruit (like lemon, orange, or cucumber) or fresh mint leaves. The subtle flavor and visual appeal can make a difference.
Use colorful drinkware: Visual cues are powerful. Use brightly colored, transparent glasses so the person can clearly see the beverage.
Experiment with temperature: Some people prefer their drinks warm, while others like them cold. Discovering their preference can increase willingness to drink.

Incorporating Hydration Into Routines

Consistency provides comfort for individuals with dementia. Integrating hydration into daily activities can make it a natural, non-confrontational part of their day.

Schedule 'drink breaks': Offer fluids at specific, scheduled times throughout the day, such as during meals or after using the bathroom.
Model the behavior: Sit and have a drink with them. Social cues, like making a "toast," can encourage them to mirror your actions.
Integrate into activities: If they enjoy a certain hobby, like knitting or reading, suggest taking a sip every few minutes. Connect the action of drinking to something they find pleasant.

Adapting for Swallowing Difficulties

For those with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties), plain water may be a challenge. Consult with a speech and language pathologist for recommendations.

Try thickened fluids: The consistency of thickened liquids can be easier and safer to swallow. Products like thickening agents can be added to any beverage.
Use hydrating foods: Foods with high water content can supplement fluid intake. Examples include popsicles, Jell-O, sherbet, watermelon, grapes, and broth-based soups.
Serve from a syringe: For advanced dementia, specialized hydration syringes can deliver small, controlled amounts of fluid to the back of the mouth.

Comparison of Hydration Methods


Method	Pros	Cons	Ideal For	Difficulty (Caregiver)	Effectiveness
Offering Variety	Increased interest due to different flavors and colors.	Can require more preparation time. May need to track which options work best.	People who refuse plain water or have changing taste preferences.	Low	High
Creating a Routine	Creates a predictable structure, reducing confusion and resistance.	Requires consistency and can be challenging for busy schedules.	Most stages of dementia.	Medium	High
Using Hydrating Foods	Less confrontational than a cup of water, adds nutrients.	Does not provide as much fluid volume as drinking directly.	Individuals with swallowing issues or those who refuse drinks entirely.	Low	Medium
Adaptive Drinkware	Improves ease of use and minimizes spills.	May feel infantilizing to some individuals if not introduced sensitively.	People with coordination problems or in later stages of dementia.	Low	High
Modeling Behavior	Gentle, non-confrontational approach. Promotes a social atmosphere.	May not work for all individuals, especially those with severe cognitive decline.	Early to mid-stage dementia.	Low	Medium

Conclusion

Ensuring a person with dementia stays hydrated is a continuous act of observation, creativity, and compassion. The reasons for refusing fluids are complex, from diminished thirst sensations to swallowing problems, and require a flexible approach. By creating a hydration-friendly routine, offering a variety of appealing fluids and water-rich foods, and adapting drinkware for ease of use, caregivers can significantly improve their loved one's fluid intake. Patience, positive encouragement, and avoiding pressure are crucial for success. By being proactive and attentive, you can help protect their health and enhance their quality of life.

How do you get a person with dementia to drink water? A Comprehensive Action Plan

Offer Appealing Options

Use juice, herbal tea, or clear broth to supplement water intake.
Create fruit-infused water for a mild, pleasant flavor.

Establish a Hydration Routine

Offer fluids at specific, consistent times, such as every hour or during meals.
Prompt them with a drink break during a favorite activity to make it feel natural.

Use Creative Encouragement

Model the behavior by drinking a glass of water yourself, and invite them to join you.
Use simple, positive phrases like, “Here’s a nice, cool drink for you”.

Optimize Drinkware

Use brightly colored, transparent cups that are easier to see.
Provide easy-to-hold cups with handles or non-spill lids.

Incorporate Hydrating Foods

Serve water-rich foods like watermelon, grapes, and cucumber.
Offer popsicles, Jell-O, or broth-based soups to increase fluid intake.

Manage Underlying Issues

If swallowing is difficult, consult a speech therapist or doctor about thickened liquids.
Review their medication with a healthcare provider, as some drugs can contribute to dehydration.

Track Intake

Keep a simple hydration log or use a dedicated app to monitor how much they are drinking daily.
This helps ensure they are meeting their fluid goals and provides information for healthcare providers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common signs include dry mouth and skin, fatigue, dark-colored urine, and confusion. More severe indicators can include dizziness, a rapid heart rate, and an increase in agitation. It's important to monitor these signs, as a person with dementia may not communicate thirst effectively.

Offer a variety of other fluids, including diluted fruit juices, herbal teas, or clear broths. Infuse water with fruit or vegetables for a subtle flavor change. Experiment with temperatures to see if they prefer it warm, cold, or at room temperature.

Yes, incorporating foods with high water content is an effective strategy. Good options include watermelon, grapes, oranges, soups, broths, Jell-O, and yogurt. These can supplement their fluid intake and may be easier to consume than a drink.

Establish a predictable schedule by offering drinks at the same times each day, such as with meals and snacks. Use visual cues and incorporate a 'drink break' into daily activities to make it a natural part of their routine.

Consider brightly colored or transparent cups, as they are easier to see. Use easy-to-hold cups with handles, or try a cup with a non-spill lid and a straw, which can make drinking easier and prevent messes.

Consult a healthcare provider or speech therapist to discuss the use of thickened liquids, which can be safer to swallow. You can also use specialized hydration gels or hydrating foods like popsicles.

Remain calm and positive, and avoid using pressure or scolding. A person with dementia often responds better to gentle, non-confrontational prompts. Redirect their attention and try again later, or use a creative approach like making a 'toast' with them.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.