A Plea To Those Living Alone

[naomi24]

In the absence of a response to my texts and answerphone messages to an elderly friend who lives alone, I’ve had a bit of a worrying day wondering if she’d had an accident. In fact, I almost called the police. Thankfully she’s just called to say sorry she was gardening and didn’t see my texts or check her answerphone.

If you live alone, please keep in regular contact with someone so they know you’re okay. Just a thought.

[sandyRoe]

That's a good idea.

[marval]

I think it is a good idea as well.

[Mamyalynne]

That's smashing 237, bet it really cheers him too.

[Theland]

Lockdown fatigue can cause crossed wires, or at least that's what I think.

[Spicerack]

No it doesn't.

[emmie]

i am in regular contact with a friend and members of the family. They are at risk, especially my brother and sister in law.

[Mozz71]

In all honesty, and while not wanting this to sound like a "woe is me" post, I don't have anyone who really gives a toss about me anymore. I have my phone if someone needs me, but I don't expect it to ring anytime soon. It's okay though, I'm fine. You get used to it after a while.

[naomi24]

Mozz, I might be wrong but I think I remember you saying you’re pretty much housebound. If that’s true, have you ever considered getting a personal emergency alarm?

[Mozz71]

Nah, I'm housebound more because of my anxiety issues than any disease. I have suffered from leg ulcers for the last couple of years, but they have improved significantly in the last few months. I can get out if I absolutely have to, it's just very hard for me.

[naomi24]

The reason you're housebound, mozz, is irrelevant. It's just the necessity of having an outside contact should an emergency situation arise - fingers crossed it doesn't.

[Mozz71]

Thank you Naomi. I appreciate your concern. If things
get any worse, I will look into it.

[naomi24]

Good.

[Prudie]

This thread seemed to go awry because I think people put their own interpretation of 'living alone' based on actual people they know. I get what you're saying Naomi as I imagined it as my own mother (if still alive) and my in-laws (both alive). They are independent, compus mentis and physically capable. Apart from self-isolating they are carrying on as normal - including not keeping their phones on or near them or being in the garden not listening for the phone. I'd think this message is aimed at those types and is a very valid one. Were those I knew suffering dementia etc then of course I wouldn't expect them to be the ones to keep in touch - and I don't think that's who you meant either.

[ladybirder]

Sounds about right Prudie.

[NickorWan]

I think the misunderstanding arises because it is addressed to 'us' and not to 'them'. Those of us who live alone are being reminded to let someone know we are OK, quite sensible in my opinion.

[tiggerblue10]

My nan lives alone but thankfully just up the road from my uncle so he pops round to deliver food. A dash-cam camera was fitted in her house and he can see into her living room where she spends the majority of her time.

Camera will be removed once this crap show is over!

[NickorWan]

Sorry, didn't write that too clearly. I meant to say that the misunderstanding arises because some are taking it that the message is applying to 'them' when in fact it is to 'us'.

[JJ109]

How is it that I can agree with everybody here including Pixie? The reason is because everyone living alone is different,

Some people living alone prefer their own company, but nevertheless have many friends. Say they have no relatives, but they probably have a couple of "best" friends who they would rely on if anything happened. They, if they had any sense would keep these best friends informed but would not think or should be expected to keep literally every other friend advised of their situation. Otherwise that is all they would be doing every day!

BUT, people with good intentions like Naomi would worry if she hadn't heard, but she doesn't know that the friend has already contacted other friends, because the best frirends are not in the same circle as Naomi. Therefore as Pixie implies the onus should be on the person worried to contact the person living alone or make an arrangement, whatever, and the person living alone should then explain to the worried one that he/she has made other arrangements in case of problems, but obviously thanking Naomi for her concern.

[Theland]

I wondered lonely as a cloud,
From living room to fridge and back,
I missed the traffic noises loud,
I had to have another snack.

I watched the news about our nation,
Empty streets, an empty land,
As all now live in isolation,
As lonely as the desert sand.

Remote in hand and glasses found,
There seems to be no other way,
But walk again the same old ground,
Just another Groundhog Day.

[naomi24]

Prudie/LB/Nick, thanks. Actually though, I didn't intend it just for the elderly. It would be good if everyone who lives alone, regardless of age and health, makes an effort on a regular basis to let others know they're ok. Accidents and mishaps aren't the sole preserve of the solitary elderly.