How to create a home made oral IV drip?

my friends mom is very sick and bedridden. it is getting hard for him to give her water. i am trying to make something that would help. i thought of something kinda of like an iv but instead of a needle it would have some kind of sponge on the end that he could put in her mouth between her gum and cheek and the fluid could just absorb into her mouth so she wouldn't have to sit up and drink water and something that she doesn't have to suck on.
does anyone know of an easy way to make something like this? be creative please. i thought maybe someone in the nursing or ems field might know. thanks for your help.

Thank you everyone for your kind answers. i thought i would clarify to help you all understand a little better. She is not unconscious and she is able to speak and give direct responses. She is also able to suck and swallow just fine. I don't believe aspirating would be an issue. We are just trying to figure out how allow her to lay comfortably and by just having to swallow some water for a few minutes as her mouth SLOWLY fills with water. It is actually her idea. she has a lot of pain in her abdominal muscles and it is uncomfortable for her to sit up to sip on water. If there was some kind of water tube that could just flow into her mouth through maybe a sponge that would be the best solution for him and his mom. Thank you for your help.

Unfortunately, you cannot put anything in the mouth that the person will be able to "absorb" liquid. They must be able to drink it or at least suck on it. If they are unable to swallow correctly or mimic sucking on something, they may aspirate the liquid (pull it into their lungs) which my cause them to "drown" on the liquid, causing either aspiration pneumonia or immediate death.
The person can become dehydrated very quickly and the best course of action is to take the person to the emergency room or their doctor. They may require IV fluids which will give them much needed fluid if they are unable to take fluid by mouth.
Has Hospice been considered?> Is the person eligible for home nursing?
Please contact the person's doctor for advice concerning the best course of care for this person, it is the safest way ensure that the correct care is given. If they are not under a doctor's care then contact a local hospital they may have a 24 hr help line that is usually staffed by nurses. Or contact the county health department, they have nurses that can give advice usually. GOOD LUCK>

Greetings: Your heart is in the right place, but is she has that much difficulty in taking water, I would be cautious of compromising her airway, then you have another set of emergency conditions to contend with. There are glycerin sticks that come in a foil pouch,lemon flavor ed as a rule. They are similar to a swab. They will keep the lips moist,and work quite well. If you have a hospital bed, raise the head when giving fluids. Your idea is a good one, but in reality can only see this causing more problems that it may solve. Again your heart is in the right place. Best of luck John t

You have a great idea on your hands. And as the others have said, if she cannot swallow, she needs to go to the emergency room and probably get evaluated for dehydration and comfort.

I am not a physician and do not give out medical advice. The previous answers about dehyration and aspiration pnemonia are correct. But we used to use oral swabs to give oral care and the wet the mouth. It's like a small sponge on a little stick. Patients with really dry mouths would squeeze sponges, after we dipped them in water, by clamping there mouth shut. This can be a quick, temporary, comfort care fix.

That is a good thing that you are attempting.I am willing to help. But before beginning one should be aware of the hazards in such a device.

What is the status of the patient? Fully conscious, and in control of all mental faculties?
What is the status of the jaw muscles and their co-ordination?
Is she completely incapable of applying any suction whatsoever? Or, can she suck to a vacuum of two to three inches of water? This is less than the force required to suck lemonade from a glass using a straw.

The danger in delivering a continuous stream (albeit in drops) to a person, who may fall asleep, is that she can choke, the fluid can go the wrong way and flood the lungs, and such unforeseen incidents.

There has to be an on-demand function. Can she use either hand or any finger at all?

You can mail me details through my profile. Let us give it a good try.