For Anyone Who Is Elderly And Lonely

[NoseyNose]

Being alone(a lot of the time) I have registered for this.

What do you guys think?

I am awaiting my first call.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/services/befriending-services/sign-up-for-telephone-befriending/

[maggiebee]

I think it's a great idea.  Lovely to hear a friendly voice when you need it.  

[bednobs]

my M-I-L used it and liked it.  It was called silverline back then tho

 

[pastafreak]

I've heard of that...trouble is, I hate talking on the phone!

But I'd really like to hear about your experience...keep us posted. I'm so pleased that you are making so many positive steps. Have your neighbours returned from holiday? 

[davebro3]

Like the song says "People who need people are the luckiest people in the world." (Except when they ain't got people!)

I live alone, spend lots of time alone but I'm never "lonely". Don't mind a bit of socialising but I don't yearn for it.

[Redhelen72]

We tried to get my MIL to sign up to it - but she doesn't like talking to strangers apparently!!

So instead she goes to a new church that does cheap lunches doesn't know anyone had has a ball 2 times a week!

[naomi24]

Give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back.  You're actually doing something about it and that's fantastic.  Well done.  

[NoseyNose]

Two points:~

Silverline is still available,it's 24hr helpline,just to chat to someone.

The telephone Befriending Service is a 1 to 1 (30 minutes per week) call,from the same volunteer person each week.

I am also investigating the Beckley Church Thursday lunch club,(once a month).

The Parish Clark seemed to think that someone would pick me up, and drop me off,so it sounds positive?

pastafreak

They are not quite neighbours,but only live 12 miles away,and have really been "Angels" to me.

They are due back today,but go away soon again in 10 days.

However,I know that they have(and will) set up contacts for me while they are away.

Once they are back after this,it will be good to know that they are there in the long term.

I am still awaiting a call from Adult Elderly Serices,to set up a care plan for me.This is the 1st step to getting me into Sheltered Housing.

I am looking forward to being in a place with people,BUT i do dislike change.But given my "Angels" as before,they vehicles,and help when (and if) I move.

Thanks for your understanding.

They are the couple that retrieved our car,from Sainsbury's car park(when my partner died) and drove a 44 mile round trip to return it home.

It just goes to show that there are quite a few very caring people (here on AB,and in the flesh) you just have to search them out?

 

[ladybirder]

I think he must be on the phone pasta;-)

[Tilly2]

One of my friends is a 'Befriender'. He loves it and has made friends with so many people.

 

[NoseyNose]

Tilly2,

Thank You,that is most helpful, and reassuring.

Gordon.

[Countrylover]

Hi Gordon,

All sounds good.  We'll done young man x

[Countrylover]

I forget to say.  I'm usually called Lottie on here.  My old user name which goes back years.  I got locked out and couldn't get back in.  My own fault I wasn't misbehaving!

Lottie

 

 

[anneasquith]

It's important to have some contact with young people as well as the oldies  if possible .

[Tilly2]

My friend is 34 and he currently chats with 2 elderly people.

He's been doing this for four years and has called in the safeguarding team on two occasions when he became concerned about his 'clients'.

[jourdain2]

Our (v. good) GP Practice has posters up regarding people willing to befriend lonely people - they have a register.  Perhaps another resource to check out?   So glad you are being positive.  😀

[Canary42]

Looks like a nice idea - let us know how you get on please.

[Canary42]

/// It's important to have some contact with young people as well as the oldies  if possible . ///

A good point. Many years ago my IP was AOL, and they had a series of chat rooms, each dedicated to a specific age group (20s, 30s 40s etc.) and people mainly respected this.

But there were occasional "raids' between the 20s and the 60s (where I was then), and some very enjoyable and interesting conversations and banter resulted. Very useful in overcoming so much negative stereotyping which takes place in different age groups.

[Ringlet]

I registered for this service a few years ago in my local area. 

They assigned a "befriending" caller to me.  

At the first call,  I immediately recognised the caller's distinctive voice.   She was the local gossip, who has antagonised and fallen out with almost everyone in town.  She is a bossy, directive, judgemental woman who has always treated others as her social inferior. 

I had a brief conversation with her on the phone, during which I asked her why she had volunteered as a telephone befriender.  She told me it was because she herself is lonely but did not want the embarrassment of admitting it and asking for help, so she thought offering her services as the befriender would serve the same purpose.  

I quickly de-registered from the service, and they have not contacted me since then.  

[NoseyNose]

An update:~

I am going to the village monthly Lunch Club next thursday.I wonder if the organise would like a donation of about 40 cans of various sugsr free drinks.They are not suitable for me(too much caffeine) Irn bru,Dr Pepper Diet Coke.

It's not really just the lunch.It will help me to meet like minded friendly(?) folk from the village.

£5.00 for a three course meal.

I will post a review of this soon.

Gordon.

[Countrylover]

Gordon, If the lunch club is for older people I wouldn t offer any cans that like IrnBru are high in Caffeine.  They could interfere with health issues or medications.  But its  a very kind thought.  

You are doing so well and being so positive.  The lunch club is such a good idea.

Lottie x