As temperatures remain in the 80’s and 90’s across much of the Western United States, concerns for seniors and those more vulnerable to dehydration continue to grow as well. Water is an easy answer but experts at assisted-living industry leader Aegis Living say there are tastier alternatives that are good for brain health.
Summertime means more dehydration cases and more trips to hospitals nationwide and seniors are especially vulnerable. As we age, we don’t notice the symptoms such as body temperature changes. In addition, some medications promote dehydration and it’s a fact that seniors don’t experience the same level of thirst that younger people do: the result? Studies show dehydration is one of the top conditions sending people 65 and older to the emergency room. Symptoms range from headaches to nausea to loss of balance and confusion and in severe cases, unconsciousness and heat stroke.
At 32 communities across the Western United States, Aegis Living provides highly visible and enticing “hydration stations.” A hydration station is a large apothecary beverage dispenser where ice cold water is infused with fresh natural ingredients like cucumbers, mint, strawberries, blueberries, lemons and other fresh, nutritious locally-grown ingredients. The result is an answer to dehydration that tastes great. Aegis Living Executive VP of Operations, John Carpentier says, “Staying hydrated is vital for brain health. That’s why we offer hydration stations in all of our communities. It’s something that can’t be overlooked as the temperatures rise.”
Doctors say dehydration is a frequent trigger for urinary tract infections (UTI’s) among seniors. Unfortunately, UTI’s can exacerbate memory loss or dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease. Many residents at Aegis Living communities live with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
Aegis Living Chefs help keep residents hydrated through the hot summer months by offering a variety of infused waters. By changing the flavors daily residents stay interested in staying hydrated. Infused water is shared at functions and as well as displays in convenient locations in each community. Local berries are incorporated, fruit and herbs whenever possible. It’s fun to be creative and try different flavor combinations.
Here are some simple combinations to enhance your everyday drinking water.
Sliced cucumber (1 large English cucumber) and mint (8-10 sprigs)
Strawberries (1-2 baskets – 12-16 in a basket) and fresh basil (8-12 leafs of basil)
blueberries (1-2 baskets, 30-40 ) and red grapes (1-2 baskets) cut grapes in half for flavor
lemon (2 lemons, go light on lemon or it becomes too bitter), 2 baskets raspberries (24 in basket)
2 of each (remove the peels for best results)
Keeping residents quenched is just one of the many ways that Aegis Living strives to boost cognitive wellness and other health benefits.
Respite Stays & Day Stays give family caregivers a real break—hours, days, or a few weeks—while your loved one enjoys a safe, enriching short‑term home at Aegis Living. Guests settle into a beautifully furnished private apartment and have 24/7 care staff and onsite nurses, medication management, and discreet safety technology (motion sensors, medical‑alert pendants, visitor check‑in) for peace of mind. Each day feels purposeful with chef‑prepared, all‑day dining and 200+ monthly activities—from book clubs and fitness classes to movie nights—plus full use of the community. We coordinate with your loved one’s physicians to mirror their routines and care, so the stay feels familiar. It’s also a smart trial run for senior living: meet neighbors, test services, and see what supported independence looks like—without a long‑term commitment. Choose a Respite Stay when you’re traveling or need time to recharge, when your loved one would benefit from structure, social connection, and great meals, or when you both want peace of mind while keeping options open.
Hospice & End‑of‑Life Care at Aegis Living is comfort‑first support for the final stage of life, delivered in your loved one’s private apartment by our 24/7 care team in coordination with a trusted local hospice provider you choose (or we can recommend). Together, we create a coordinated care plan that manages pain and other symptoms, oversees medications, and provides calm, dignified help with daily needs, while offering compassionate emotional support for both resident and family. Discreet safety measures and a reliable medical‑alert system bring help quickly; chef‑prepared, in‑apartment meals adapt to changing appetites. Families are guided through decisions and moments of closure so they can focus on being present in a peaceful, home‑like setting. If your loved one already lives at Aegis, they can remain in the comfort of their home, avoiding disruptive moves. Choose this level of care when curative treatment is no longer the goal and you want expert symptom control, hands‑on daily support, and a setting that protects dignity and prioritizes comfort, meaning, and time together.
Memory Care is specialized, secure support for people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias who benefit from a calm, structured environment and round‑the‑clock expertise. At Aegis Living, that care happens in Life’s Neighborhood—an intimate, thoughtfully designed setting where 24/7 dementia‑trained caregivers and a nursing team on site seven days a week deliver personalized help with daily living, medication management, and mobility (including Hoyer lifts and two‑person transfers), while gently redirecting agitation and confusion. Days are purpose‑filled with science‑based cognitive programming, certified music therapy, and social activities; chef‑prepared meals are easy to enjoy and dining spaces and cues are designed for memory support. Discreet safety features like secured entrances, emergency pendants with fall detection, and optional motion sensors, prevent wandering and bring peace of mind, and visiting physicians and wellness professionals reduce trips off‑site. Families receive education and ongoing support. If your loved one is unsafe alone, missing medications, wandering, needs frequent cueing or hands‑on help with bathing or dressing, or thrives with a predictable routine, Memory Care offers the right level of care. For milder needs, our transitional Assisted Living can be a first step; for advancing symptoms, secured Memory Care provides the specialized, heartfelt support to help them feel calm, connected, and at home.