You ask your elderly father if he’s thirsty. He says “No.” You ask again an hour later. He still says “No.”
By the afternoon, he seems confused. Maybe he stumbles when he stands up. You panic, thinking it’s a stroke or dementia progression.
But often, it’s just dehydration.
In Chapter 4 of Survive From The Pantry, we introduce “George”—the archetype of the elderly family member. George isn’t stubborn; his body is simply lying to him. As we age, our physiological “thirst drive” fades. By the time an elderly person feels thirsty, they are already dangerously dehydrated.
This leads to a drop in blood pressure, dizziness, and the #1 cause of injury in seniors: Falls.
You cannot rely on them to “ask” for water. You need a system. We call it The George Protocol.
The Problem: Nagging Doesn’t Work
Constantly asking “Did you drink water?” is exhausting for you and annoying for them. It turns hydration into a battle of wills.
You need to shift from verbal reminders to visual cues.
The Solution: The Visual Schedule
In my recent video, I demonstrated a simple hack using a WaterStorageCube and a permanent marker.
Here is how to set it up:
The Vessel: Use a clear container with a spigot (tap).
Why? Pitchers are heavy. Seniors with arthritis or weak grip strength struggle to pour from them. A cube with a spigot sits on the table, and they only need to flip a lever.
The Sharpie Trick: Draw horizontal lines on the container for key times of the day (e.g., 10 AM, 2 PM, 6 PM). 1
The Rule: “Drink to the line.”
Why This Works
This method removes the ambiguity. The goal isn’t abstract (“Drink more”), it is visual and concrete (“Make the water level touch the black line”).
It gives the elderly person a sense of accomplishment and autonomy. They can see their progress without you saying a word.
“Small Sips” Strategy
In the book, Emily (George’s granddaughter) learns another vital lesson: Volume vs. Frequency.
Don’t force them to chug a full glass at once. It’s uncomfortable and causes bloating. The goal is small, frequent sips throughout the day. 2
Get The Full Caregiver Protocol
Protecting the vulnerable is the core of Protocol Redwood. Chapter 4 includes specific hydration charts for the elderly, children, and pregnant women.
Do you know the signs of dehydration that appear before thirst? Do you know how to make an electrolyte mix if they are already sick?
�� Survive From The Pantry: Protect Your Family from Food Shortages and Collapse
Make hydration a routine, not a chore.
— Protocol Redwood