Does anyone provide aid/assistance for people who don't have air conditioning?

I think now you should start looking towards next year. There maybe grants available but you have to apply early.

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.

This may not be too helpful if you have a parent with ambulatory issues, but there are “cooling centers “ that many towns and cities set up during those days when the heat is extremely oppressive. They’re usually located in libraries, senior centers, high schools ( if it’s not a school day). The nationwide “211” can provide some really helpful information on senior resources in your state. It’s an informational and referral system, and many of them operate crisis lines as well. I worked for the 211/United Way in CT for about 20 years, and they really do provide a wealth of information. Perhaps this might help. It’s all done over the phone, and many are open 24/7.

Grew up in a weatherboard house. Basically nearly the same temp inside as out. Summers had heatwaves of several days at 40 c (100 f) before a cool change blew in, then heated up again. Cars had wind-down windows & vinyl seats. Car rides were h377.

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.

Oh, yikes, this is scary stuff. Try to get that portable AC so that it is in only one enclosed room so it can really work for them. We just had to get one this year in San Francisco, as the temps some days can now be too much for us. If your electric stays on and you can make ice, a pan with water for feet that has cool water will help keep a senior out of the danger zone. Someone below mentioned senior centers and they are more and more coming into play, but with your family would be at the least hard to move them. I am fearful that this will be more and more a problem in future. In some countries people regularly die in large numbers, esp seniors; in a recent heat wave in India many were lost. Good luck.

Just wondering if you got this all straightened out?

Call up your nearest senior center because they may have a handi-worker's program.
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.

Hey people,
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.

brenda: You're very welcome.

You can also put ice cubes (make a heavy supply of these) and place them in a bowl, then place the bowl behind the box fan. A friend of mine did this when they couldn't afford air conditioners and it cooled them off considerably. You may want to take note of the nearest cooling center-Just in case, if gets more hotter and more dangerous for them.

Thanks for your help!

Might be some useful information in this or the links it provides:

https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/free_air_conditioners.html

Getting a free unit might be tough this time of year, but it never hurts to ask!

brendak60;

I know in my previous state and the current one, the power companies do have some programs for helping everyone save money on tasks like this. I also figure many states have programs for the vulnerable. I checked your profile, which says you are in OH - if that's where mom and brother are as well, check this link:

https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/ohio_agency_on_aging.html

I didn't read every bit of it, as I don't live there, but there are a number of programs that might be beneficial to both mom and brother. In particular, it does cover something regarding heating/cooling:

"The Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP, is a financial assistance program for low-income residents of Ohio. Representatives at your office agency on aging can help you apply. A focus is usually for seniors, disabled, and others who are most vulnerable. Money can help pay heating and cooling bills."

If you call them, perhaps they can find a program which will benefit your mother.

You can try an internet search for community service non-profit charities in your area. Luckily we have many organizations that assist with such issues. I'm sure, partly because we are in Las Vegas, NV and the heat can and often is deadly. I would suggest Lutheran Social Services, Catholic Charities, Habitat for Humanity, Seventh Day Adventists, to name a just few. There are many civic and philanthropic organizations as well, you just need to know where to look. Your states' department of health and human services should be able to suggest other available resources.
It has been mentioned previously, your local power company likely has programs for this type of assistance. Hope this helps and that the relentless heat is gone quickly. Make sure they are all staying hydrated in the meantime. Good luck.

I am not sure if you found a solution yet, but in certain areas, the utlity companies will install a new HVAC system and bill her electric bill in small installments. I would call whoever she is getting her electric bill from and ask if they have a plan like that. In my state the electric company is required to keep your home comfortable to live in if you have a medical condition. All that is needed is a doctors note stating that the home must be conducive to the medical condition which means heating and cooling. Also, there are many HVAC companies that will install heating and air for financing. Our new unit cost $2600 but the company financed us and we paid $62 a month until it was paid off. If she cant afford that, they may be able to lower the montly payment. Especially if her unit is not like the BIG one we got. Also check witht he local church or Catholic church. They generally have some funding for medical or weather related emergencies. Last but not least, if any of the aforemention does not work in your area, contact your city officials, they should be able to help you. Good Luck and God Bless.

Thank you for your suggestions. I agree, everyone has been very helpful, and I appreciate it!

I have a house without central air and before the new windows (the old ones were terrible sources of air leaks) I strung curtains to separate the kitchen and living room since the window AC was in the living room- HUGE improvement! Granted, it kept only that area cooler while the bedrooms were warm, but in extreme temps every little bit helps. They don't 't have to be anything expensive or fancy, either, just something to keep the cold air contained.

Lots of other excellent ideas have been posted on here that you should implement now because even if you get some kind of assistance you might not get it installed until October or later... mid-July is a busy time for AC installations and repairs so be prepared to wait.

And do make sure your mom is staying properly hydrated :)

-Buy more window fans
-If possible, stay in the lowest room of the house
-Close all curtains
-Close all blinds
-Provide ice water

Get whatever big fan you can find/afford and put it in or near the shadiest window in the house. Close all the rest and open at least one in each room the furthest from the fan and let the air just blow thru.
It's been over 100 up to 105 for much of the last two weeks here in CO. Dry enough here we used swamp coolers to add moisture. Sure makes a difference in my place. It's been on high three weeks now except one day I used the shop vac to suck out the sludge build up. Got to smelling like a "swamp".

If you have a multi floor place, put the fan in a lower room, or basement and open the top most, furthest window to let it blow out.

One time when I stopped in to see/check on/help my mother in her condo, she had the thermostat set to heating, not cooling. It wasn't heating the house, but the place was nasty (to me.) I am used to not having AC, however being in that place that day, sweat instantly kicked on!!! I switched it over (she had whole house AC.)

As others have said, when some get older, they tend to be cold and not feel the heat so much. When we had a days-long heat wave last year, I stopped in at the MC unit to visit (no AC in any cars either.) Several of them were sitting there with sweaters or light jackets on! Those same people kept asking me if I was cold (in jeans and tank top only.) THEY were all cold despite the AC being on! When I was there the other day, it seemed warmer than usual (nurse concurred), yet many were still wearing sweaters, etc., and saying they were cold.

I resisted ACs in my previous house for a long time. The upstairs BRs would get nasty during extended heat waves, so we would "camp" downstairs to sleep. I finally got one, which was a window unit - people would tell me that isn't enough. It was for us - I didn't need it to be 60, just tone it down AND bring down the humidity. For me the humidity is a killer - when people ask if I'd move south, no way! Way too hot and humid for my taste (not to mention hurricanes, tornadoes and floods!)

This house I have now has crank windows, so I can't use window units (they make them, but they are expensive and too heavy for me.) Last year I got a large portable unit. The window piece wouldn't work with my windows, so I am using a slider unit with pet door for the exhaust (bought it for a different reason, cats are not allowed out!) and it "works." However it ran all day yesterday and the room it is in showed over 80 degrees with about 70% humidity! The rest of the house was just as or more nasty. Better than the alternative though.

Given that mom probably doesn't feel the heat as much as you, the portable unit might be enough. You might consider getting a dehumidifier - dry heat is more comfortable than humid heat! Beware though (I found out the hard way), you will likely need to use both, as the dehumidifier generates heat while running! Fans moving the air around (don't point them at the person) do help as well. Moving air feels a bit cooler (I used a ceiling fan before resorting to setting up the AC (in the NE we don't generally have a lot of days like this!) I did try using a box fan to blow down the hall yesterday, attempting to blow some of the "cooler" air to the rest of the house, but it didn't help much. Hopefully the portable unit can be located somewhat centrally (mine cannot.) At least it would help cool more of the house. Closing off areas not used could help as well, not as much space to cool.

After running all day and night and all day today (is almost 4pm now), it got down to about 78 overnight and is hovering around 80 again, with just over 70% humidity here. Icky, but it is better than nothing.

(bad timing for this heat wave - running low on funds and was hoping electric bill would continue coming down... not anymore...)

P.S. If there is any way to get help installing AC, they do have units that can be installed (heat pumps) that do not need to have venting - aka for people like me who have hot water heating systems, no duct work. They are not cheap, but if there is assistance available (some states/electric companies) have programs for the elderly.

I’m sorry to hear about the temperature concerns your family is facing. I am also struggling to understand why my 80 year old mom will not use her window AC in her home. The heat index was over 100 and surprisingly with a ceiling and table fan blowing, I did not sweat and she was comfortable. I bought her Gatorade to mitigate dehydration and her favorite ice cream flavor. All seemed to be okay and I’ve checked in more frequently to ensure she was doing well. My issue is that she doesn’t do much on her own or just until I get there. But I agree with many responders that a long term plan will be needed with these increasingly hotter summers.😓 Good luck!

Sorry, I wish there was an easy answer. Air conditioning units are expensive. I bought one for one room so I can escape there when needed. The other thing that saves me is a "cooling towel" made of PVA..available on line and at many stores from $5 to $12... about... 25 inches by 16 inches...get it wet and put around shoulder/ neck...put one on lap...when it is less cool...wave and snap it in the air and it is cool again. It will dry flat and hard...just put in water again...wash out in soapy water once in a while...I have put it on my head, slept with it on my body at night and when I am too hot, it helps my brain function and body have a bit more energy. The heat really is so hard to deal with. I do not know in her dementia if she could remember to use it...but worth a try until you can get more
room air conditioning.

Your parents may not feel the heat like you do. My mother(92) actually had her heat on when it was in the upper 70s. Make sure they drink though

Go get a couple of the smaller 110 window units for a couple of rooms in the house. They are not that expensive. It may feel warm to you, but people who are used to the heat do quite well if you can get the temp to about 78. Even groups that help often provide fans or a small window unit - it's not likely your going to find someone to do central air/heat if that's what you're thinking about. Oh yes, and some floor fans to direct the a/c you have and move it around the room. Does wonders even if you have ceiling fans

In Arizona there is a designated “Community Action Program” for each County. I don’t know if this is a state funded program or a federally funded program, but this is just the sort of thing they help with. You might try googling “Community Action Program” and attaching your county to the search. Thoughts are with you. Your family is fortunate to have someone so caring.

I live in an area where AC is rarely needed. When it does get in the 90’s or higher, I do as already suggested to keep the house cool. I also go for a swim in the ocean around dinner time.

that cools my core and although Is is still 90+ degrees in the house I am comfortable. If Mum is no longer able to keep her core warm, she may not need AC, but just need hydration.

There are more hot places in the world that do not have AC, than those that do.

I lived in an old house in Utah for many years that had no AC. I'd close the blinds before the hottest part of the day began and kept a good quality Vornado fan running. I'd have an ice bag on my lap and sip icy water from a thermos. It was comfortable and pleasant and preferable to AC for me.

I have a condo in the tropics which can be hot and humid. Even though we have air conditioning, we use it very little as it is too cold and very expensive to use. However, for us, the most comfort is simply using a fan to keep the air circulating.
For the short run, floor and table model fans work fine, even better if they rotate. Want to get a little more elaborate... install a ceiling fan w/ blades. It's moving the air that really makes the difference in comfort.

Don’t try to cool the entire house, just do certain portions of it. Close doors to segregate the areas, hanging sheets or blankets in open doorways if necessary. Doesn't look very pretty, but is very effective. Windows shut, blinds closed, curtains closed, too. These all work for those hot hot summer days and those cold cold winter days.

Move the air around with oscillating fans (I find the low or medium speeds work best). Or ceiling fans (medium speed).

If you have FB, put out an ISO (in search of) for small window ACs & put the reason down (elderly parent). You would be pleasantly surprised how generous people can be.

Before we put in central air on the 2nd floor of our home where the bedrooms are, we had window units in the bedrooms. As our house faces south & there is no shade, those rooms could get HOT. During the day, heavy curtains, blinds & windows closed made a huge difference, as did keeping doors open and the ceilings fans on medium to just move the air around. The ceilings fans would go off, the ACs would go on, & the doors would be shut about an hour or 2 before bedtime. When it was time for bed, the room would be nicely chilled; AC would be turn off, ceiling fan put on low, and door kept shut. Very very effective — and we still do that for the 2 floors without central air.

I don’t like AC much, so I used all the old-fashioned ways of keeping cool. When my husband worked in an environment with no AC & the temps got well above 100 consistently, I would put the AC on in 1 room so he could cool down when he got home. That, and a quick cool shower, did wonders for him.

Oh, and cool cloths nearby, even if just to put on the wrists or neck for a short bit of time. Good luck!

I live in Florida and our Area Council on Aging will help with a air conditioner.
Make some calls there is help out there. Even her doctor might have some input

I know you said you purchased a portable ac but as you said it doesn't cool the house enough.Purchase some floor fans or if you can afford it another ac.
I also agree that the brother should contribute to buying an ac but if not do what you can for your parents.