Who could help ....

[Coldicote]

an elderly person living alone with no immediate family, sons, daughters, brothers or sisters? There are such people and the big fear is that of being carted off to hospital for some reason and being totally isolated, having no visitors or anyone to attend to matters at home, fetch things that are needed, attend to laundry etc. Does anyone know who or what service could help in that situation?

[ummmm]

Social services.

They also get involved when there is family.

[Meg888]

Help the aged would too, I'm sure

[Coldicote]

Thanks for the replies. Maybe someone can tell of actual experiences?

[ladyalex]

Our 94 year old neighbour is in exactly that situation. He fell and broke his leg, was taken into hospital and has returned home.
His relatives live hundreds of miles away and he has outlived all but one of his friends.
The local social services have provided a wonderful service to him. He has two carers coming in 4 times day, meals on wheels, a community alarm and regular visits from the district nurse. He also has a cleaner and a laundry service. The carers also collect such shopping as he needs.
He has to pay a certain amount for these services, I have no idea how much, but it certainly will not be anything like their actual cost.
He also has his affairs (bills, money etc) taken care of by his solicitor who has power of attorney.
Sadly, he is gradually failing to cope and will inevitably have to move into a nursing home probably sooner rather than later, but at the moment he is exactly where he wants to be.

[Coldicote]

Thank you very much Ladyalex or this information. I'm sure many elderly people will find comfort in the experience you have described.