My mom and brother live in a house with no air conditioning. My brother lives with mom, does not drive, and has a full-time job. We have an aide that stays with mom from 8:00 - 12:00. My 82 year old dad has been sitting with mom until the aide gets there, then he comes back until the aide leaves and he has to go and pick my brother up from work. My husband and I bought a portable air conditioner a couple of years ago, but it covers a small area, and even when it's on, the temperature in their house is still in the 80's. Mom has dementia, bathroom issues, and a heart condition, and cannot walk without a walker or assistance in a transport chair. So she never leaves the house unless she is taken to a doctor's appointment. Even then it takes 2 people to help her to the car. Is there anyone who can assist with making mom's house cooler? I am worried that mom or my brother will end up with heat exhaustion. There is no air conditioning where my brother works, either. This weekend the temperature outside is supposed to be almost 100, not including the humidity.
She is asking for "aid and assistance" providers....not DIY suggestions.
I'm sure there are some providers out there. I personally don't know of any, but someone must. Or perhaps someone in her area could donate a window air conditioner or two.
When they come out to assess the current a/c not being able to work if other electrical is in use, they might upgrade the electrical outlet, and even provide a
different a/c.
Their guidelines for what they can repair or replace are tricky.
Ways we coped;
1. Wet face clothes. Wear on top of head in house - under hat outside. Rub down neck arms, legs regularly.
2. Box or pedestal fans.
3. Sleep under a wet towel.
4. Sit on damp towel in car.
These days I live in a brick house but still no AC. Have 4 x pedestal fans (Costco) that direct the air side to side. Works very well. Big one in lounge & kitchen + small bedside table ones.
My family are worried about a relative with poor health as her apartment gets VERY hot but so far a small evaporative cooler (box fan you add water in back) is working well for her. She has ceiling fans & uses the wet towels too.
62% increase in mortality through a heatwave here in 2009. City mortuaries full before the bushfire victims even started arriving.
Heat is a serious concern for elderly & anyone with poor health, or anyone rushing around. They often forget to drink enough water too. You are right to try to help.
Call your local Office of Aging. See if there are such grants. Check with your Electric Company. See if there is help there, even if it helping with the electric bill.
Ceiling fans will help circulate the cool air. If u can afford it, have them installed. This way you can keep the a/c at 77/78 and save on the cost of electric.