Nutrition, Hydration and Hurricanes
By: Sandy Dunlap RN, LCSW, Director of Nursing

Everyone is anxious and nervous when there is news of a hurricane coming. The security of our homes is in jeopardy and the safety of our loved ones and ourselves is of major concern. We all are focused on the weather reports and hoping that the storm will skip us and our area. We have been taught by all of the newscasters to be prepared with varied items including non- perishable foods and water. The extent of this need for supplies is often underestimated. This is especially true for the elderly who are at greater risk for health problems.

It is estimated that 30% to 50% of the elderly living in retirement homes or who are homebound are malnourished and 5% to 10% of those elderly living in the community are malnourished. The elderly may be at risk due to poor dentition or missing teeth, decreased ability to smell, drug interactions, physiological changes, economic and psychological or social factors, such as depression and eating alone, and the inability to shop or cook. Acute and chronic diseases may alter the bodies’ ability to metabolize and utilize nutrients. The above can affect the nutritional status without any storm threat. During and after a disaster, the threat of dehydration and malnourishment increases dramatically.

Those who do not live in our area and have not experienced the effects of a hurricane cannot understand the trauma. Although we may be safe and our homes secure, we are unable to go out due to curfews, loss of traffic signals, debris in the streets, no gas availability, and stores are closed. These factors make it impossible for anyone to obtain supplies. Due to loss of electricity there is no refrigeration and lack of ability to cook, and no air conditioning. The risk of dehydration and malnutrition becomes greater for the frail elderly.

Dehydration is one of the most frequent cases of hospitalization for those over age 65. The signs and symptoms of dehydration can mimic dementia. Other symptoms include persistent fatigue, muscle weakness or cramps, nausea, increased heart rate, and rapid breathing. There may also be decreased urinary output, skin turgor loss (skin pinched into a fold sags back into position very slowly), sunken eyes, and dry mucous membranes. Dehydration can become a very severe medical problem.

The importance of prevention can not be overemphasized. Preparing for a disaster early is the best prevention in order to protect our loved ones not only from the winds and rain but also from the health effects that the aftermath of a storm can bring.