What to do when someone won't drink water?

December 25, 2025 •

4 min read

Chronic dehydration affects 75% of Americans, making it a surprisingly common problem. Learning what to do when someone won't drink water is a critical skill for caregivers and family members alike, as dehydration can lead to serious health complications.

Quick Summary

This article explores practical ways to encourage hydration, including alternative fluids, water-rich foods, and behavioral strategies. It also outlines the signs of dehydration and when it's crucial to seek professional medical advice for a person struggling with fluid intake.

Key Points

Identify the cause: Determine if the issue is a diminished thirst sensation, dislike of taste, or a medical condition before attempting solutions.
Offer flavored alternatives: Infuse water with fruits or herbs, or provide herbal tea, smoothies, and low-sodium broth to make hydration more appealing.
Use water-rich foods: Boost fluid intake by serving fruits like watermelon and vegetables like cucumbers, which have high water content.
Create a routine: Set regular reminders to drink, especially during and between meals, for those who forget to hydrate.
Monitor for signs of dehydration: Be vigilant for symptoms like dark urine, dry mouth, and confusion, particularly in children and older adults.
Make it accessible: Keep fluids in sight and easy to reach, using visually appealing bottles or cups.
Know when to seek medical help: If moderate or severe dehydration symptoms appear, consult a doctor immediately, as IV fluids may be necessary.

Understanding the Resistance to Hydration

For many, drinking water is a simple, reflexive act. However, for some, particularly young children, older adults, or those with certain medical conditions, it becomes a significant challenge. The reasons for this can vary widely. For the elderly, a diminished sense of thirst is common, while some individuals may find the taste of plain water unappealing. Conditions like Alzheimer's or dementia can also lead to resistance or forgetfulness around drinking. Before addressing the issue, it is essential to consider the underlying cause to find the most effective approach.

Creative Hydration Alternatives

When plain water is a non-starter, expanding the definition of “hydration” is key. Many other fluids and foods contain significant amounts of water and can contribute to overall fluid intake.

Flavored Water: Infuse water with natural flavors to make it more appealing. Options include slices of lemon, lime, cucumber, berries, or fresh mint. You can also make a large jug to keep in the fridge so it is always chilled and ready to serve.
Herbal Teas: Naturally caffeine-free herbal teas, served hot or iced, can be a soothing and flavorful way to hydrate.
Juice and Smoothies: Watered-down fruit juice or smoothies can be an excellent source of fluids and nutrients. Just be mindful of sugar content.
Soups and Broths: Warm broths and soups are particularly effective in colder weather and provide both hydration and savory flavor.
Milk: Low-fat or skim milk is a good hydrator and provides essential nutrients and electrolytes.

Leveraging High-Water-Content Foods

Another powerful strategy is to increase the consumption of foods that are naturally high in water. Incorporating these into meals and snacks can be a subtle yet effective way to boost fluid levels.

Fruits: Watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, oranges, and grapefruit are all excellent choices with over 90% water content.
Vegetables: Cucumbers, lettuce, celery, radishes, and bell peppers are crunchy, hydrating options.
Gelatin and Ice Treats: For individuals who have difficulty swallowing or simply need a fun, alternative method, ice pops made from juice or gelatin desserts can be a great option.

Comparison of Hydration Methods

To help decide on the best approach, consider the pros and cons of different strategies for encouraging fluid intake.


Method	Pros	Cons	Best For...
Flavored Water	Low-calorie, customizable, and visually appealing.	Requires prep time; flavors may not appeal to all.	Individuals who find plain water boring.
Herbal Tea	Can be served hot or cold; many flavors available.	Some people may dislike the taste; caffeine can be a diuretic.	Those who enjoy warm, soothing drinks.
Hydrating Foods	Adds nutrients and fiber; can be part of regular meals.	Not a quick fix for severe dehydration; can be high in sugar or sodium.	A long-term, supplemental hydration strategy.
Electrolyte Drinks	Replenishes lost minerals rapidly.	High in sugar; unnecessary for mild dehydration.	After intense exercise or significant fluid loss due to illness.
Clear Pitchers/Bottles	Simple visual cue for monitoring intake.	Only works if the person sees and responds to the visual prompt.	Habits and consistent tracking for self-motivated individuals.

Practical Behavioral Strategies

Beyond changing the fluid itself, modifying the environment and routine can make a significant difference. Creating new habits is particularly important for individuals who have lost their natural thirst response.

Establish a Routine: Set reminders or serve fluids at specific, frequent intervals, like with every meal and between meals. Forgetting to drink can be a major issue, so proactive prompting is effective.
Make it Accessible: Keep a pitcher, attractive water bottle, or cup within easy reach and sight. A clear bottle allows both the person and caregivers to visually track intake.
Offer Small, Frequent Amounts: Instead of overwhelming someone with a large glass, offer smaller, more manageable sips frequently throughout the day. This can feel less daunting and lead to better overall intake.
Use Visual Cues: Use colorful cups or a special straw to make drinking more engaging and visually distinct from other routine items.

Recognizing Dehydration and When to Seek Help

Recognizing the signs of dehydration is crucial, as it can progress from mild to severe, becoming a medical emergency.

Signs of Dehydration

Mild to Moderate: Thirst, dry mouth/lips, dark yellow urine, infrequent urination, fatigue, headache, and dizziness.
Severe: Extreme thirst, sunken eyes, rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, confusion, irritability, and fainting.

Medical Intervention

If simple methods are unsuccessful and symptoms of moderate to severe dehydration appear, it is imperative to seek medical attention. This is especially true for young children and older adults. A doctor may recommend intravenous (IV) fluids to restore the body's fluid and electrolyte balance quickly. Some medical conditions like Adipsia, a rare disorder causing a lack of thirst, require specific medical management. Therefore, it is always wise to consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about a person's hydration, especially if they are elderly, have chronic health issues, or are not drinking due to a medical condition.

Conclusion

Addressing the challenge of when someone won't drink water requires a multi-pronged and patient approach. From creative flavoring and hydrating foods to establishing routines and providing constant reminders, numerous strategies can be employed. By understanding the underlying reasons for fluid avoidance and recognizing the signs of dehydration, caregivers and family members can effectively protect the health of those in their care. The key is perseverance and adapting the approach to the individual's needs, always with a watchful eye for signs that require professional medical intervention.

For further reading on the critical importance of hydration for older adults, please see this resource from the National Council on Aging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Initial signs of dehydration in adults include feeling thirsty, having a dry or sticky mouth, experiencing headaches, and noticing dark yellow urine. In infants, a sunken soft spot or fewer wet diapers can be early indicators.

Yes, even mild dehydration can affect cognitive function, leading to fatigue, reduced concentration, and mood changes. Severe dehydration can cause confusion and disorientation and is considered a medical emergency.

While plain water is the best option, other beverages like herbal tea, milk, and diluted juice do contribute to fluid intake. It is best to avoid drinks with excessive sugar or caffeine, as these can have diuretic effects in large amounts.

Encouraging small, frequent sips of appealing fluids, using hydrating foods like soups and fruits, and establishing a regular drinking schedule are effective strategies. Forgetting to drink is common in older adults, so proactive reminders are essential.

For children, try offering fun alternatives like juice-based ice pops, colorful cups, or fruit-infused water. Eating water-rich fruits like watermelon can also help boost their fluid intake.

Yes, rare conditions like Adipsia can cause a person to have a decreased or absent sensation of thirst, even when dehydrated. This can be due to a malfunction in the brain's thirst center.

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice signs of severe dehydration, such as extreme thirst, sunken eyes, rapid breathing, confusion, or fainting. Prompt treatment with intravenous fluids may be necessary to correct severe imbalances.