I don't really have a solution for this, just a word of empathy. My wife used to fill the kettle to the brim, get impatient waiting for it to boil then make semi-cold drinks. Once she put milk in the kettle then, on another day, finally finished it off by putting it on the gas ring. That was all with me in the house 24/7 so it must be harder when you are caring for someone who lives separately. Some good suggestions above.