Thinking of others..

[Nicos]

Well I suppose having suggested that peeps put out water for the birds ( and of course food) that maybe during this cold snap we should be thinking of the elderly and disabled who may slip on the ice if they leave the house.
Might be worth offering to buy in some things for them whilst out doing your own shopping??
No harm in offering!

[Rhona]

That's why you're such a lovely MOM! Our next door neighbour is nearly 80 and pretty frail. I always tell her to let me know if she needs something from Tesco or anything else. She never does, and I caught her the other day walking back with 3 bananas, in the freezing cold, because she likes to get out and about no matter what...

I still tell her to let me pick her up a few bits if it's icy, but it's (literally) falling on deaf ears! She does let Mr R check her telephone every couple of weeks though- she rings us to say it's not working!

Nice thought, Nicos.

[Two_Sheds]

I thought the same thing last night .. we've only just moved in though, and don't know our extended neighbours yet.


I'm going to go up the high street and slip some of our unwanted selection box chocolates into OAPs'shopping bags instead
And spend some money in Age Concern

[SlugLobber]

lol, Rhona, I have a neighbour next door but one, like that. She still goes shopping in Guildford on the bus (it's over an hour each way!) and she's 94, now, I think! Puts the rest of us to shame!

[Flummery]

We have our own potted pensioner - my Ma of 87 who is deaf and quite frail now - but fortunately she lives with mys sister so is ok for shopping.

Another old dear in the village is 93 - still drives (she says 'I've got a good horn on the car!') gardens, very sprightly. She had 9 children too - she says she loved little babies so when each grew up a bit she wanted another baby!

Older people are as different as the rest of us. As you've found, some are fiercely independent - other grateful for the help. You can only ask.

As to birds, it's shocking weather - food and fresh - unfrozen - water gratefully received here.

[jackie j]

I dont have any neighbours who are elderly or who dont already have help, I do have a neighbour who has cancer tho and she will phone up usually when I have just got in and asks me to get milk. If I ring her first or knock on the door she says no its ok I dont need anything and if I dont she rings.

[Two_Sheds]

I do have a neighbour who has cancer tho and she will phone up usually when I have just got in and asks me to get milk. If I ring her first or knock on the door she says no its ok I dont need anything and if I dont she rings.

She probably doesn't want milk at all, just someone to talk to.

[Two_Sheds]

I joined Brighton's Befriending network years ago, to visit the elderly & disabled in their homes. It is very challenging work, and you have to listen to a lot of moans & groans, and it can be emotionally very draining! I am still in touch with "my" old lady even though I left Brighton 4 years ago.
I can't find an England link yet, but here's a Scottish one: About Befriending -- Befriending Network Scotland

here we go, this is a good one: http://www.mandbf.org.uk/regions/

[janeyo]

My nan is 89 and we all do stuff for her. Even though she has had her hip replaced and can't walk so far I catch her doing naughty thigns, like cleaning out her cupboards and weeding and jigging the babies in the family about. She just will not slow down, then wonders why she hurts the next day!

janeyo

[jackie j]

Two Sheds you are probably right and I try to contact her most days but I dont want to disturb her I told her to do something so I know she is up and about, she lives on her own I invite her in but she doesnt stay long or turns up when its not convieniant which is hardley ever. Her lights havent been on today and she leaves them on all day and night so now I am worried. I will have to ring her.