We're in NJ and it's getting hotter every year. My mother (98) refuses to turn on the air in her rooms (attached) and will only sip water. Luckily I came home early and she was horrible, throwing up and very light headed. I immediately turned on the air and made her drink a glass of cold water. I keep trying to explain what she is doing is dangerous. Please keep an eye on yourself because they don't know until it becomes dangerous. She's normally very good except when it gets hot.
"you should not drink cold water if you suspect someone has heat stroke. While cold water can help with heat exhaustion, it can be dangerous for heatstroke victims. Instead, focus on rapid cooling methods like immersion in cool or cold water and applying cool, wet cloths to the skin. If you suspect heatstroke, call for emergency medical help immediately.
Here's why cold water is not recommended for heatstroke:
Aspiration Risk:
Individuals with heatstroke can be at risk of inhaling fluids (aspiration), which can be dangerous.
Shock:
Rapid cooling with ice-cold water can cause the body to go into shock in some individuals, especially the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses.
Ineffective Cooling:
While cold water can be helpful for heat exhaustion, it may not be the most effective way to lower body temperature in severe cases of heatstroke, and other methods like immersion in cool or cold water are preferred.
What to do if you suspect heatstroke:
Call for emergency help immediately.
Move the person to a cool or shaded area.
Loosen or remove excess clothing.
Immerse the person in cool or cold water.
Apply cool, wet cloths to the skin.
Fan the person while misting with cool water.
If the person is conscious, offer sips of cool or room temperature water.
Note: Avoid using ice or ice-cold water on heatstroke victims, especially the elderly, children, or those with chronic illnesses."
We elders lose our drive to drink fluids.
I always remind folks here that when I was an RN people almost always, when over a certain age, came into ER with "dehydration". It was the norm.
Our temps out there right now are pretty hellish. I think if an elder is unable to do for self and hydrate and correctly judge air conditioner needs then that person is no longer safe alone. 118 in Palm Springs, my now gone bro's home, is it for today. And in AZ where my kids have a condo may climb in parts of the state to 120. My brother used to, in days like this, have to have a hot pad to open his car door.
If so that might be the way to go.
There are water bottles that will "remind you" to drink. So if she can follow the cues on her phone that might help. If you have Alexa you might be able to remind her to drink using Alexa if you are not home.
I have seen ads for gummy type cand that will provide hydration.
There are powders you can add to water that will increase hydration.
And then there are the "sports drinks" that might also help.