What would you do if you were a Dr and an elderly patient is brought to you for possible dehydration? This patient is in fair health.She has some medical problems. Family tells you she is confused and isn't eating or drinking. That she isn't acting normal. You are also told she may of had a mild stroke.You  can tell patient is confused and not acting her normal self.Do you: Send her home and tell family to have her drink every few hours and you'll have home health come tomorrow and draw blood or do you send her to ER? This is a serious Question. No jokes please! If there are any medical professional reading-I'd like to hear what you'd do? I'll tell you now what was done. She was sent home and I was told to just get her to drink more.The next day my Mom was in serious condition and I sent her to the ER myself. She has since died from acute renal failure.

Summarized question: Should an elderly patient be hospitalized to treat dehydration?