Elderly parents and mobile phones - getting them to use or at least call

mumps

I just think it is sad that people can't take a step back and accept that people don't want to bother with new technology or forget things or mix things up. As Savvy Sue says maybe it isn't that he won't retain the information but he can't. A little patience might make things easier. A quick phone call or arrangements like other people have made e.g. phoning him at a certain time would take the irritation out of it. I know the OP says he is busy with his job and family but what about on the way to work. If he has a handsfree kit he could call him on the way to work or the way home. Wasted time normally but could resolve the issue.

mumps

ViolaLass wrote: »

I'm sorry you had to go through that but why would you want to make people feel bad for e.g. not wanting parents to worry just because they're not answering their home phone?

I don't want him to feel bad but maybe to stop and think how lucky he is. I know what it is like to have an elderly parent, my mother and MIL both had their moments but I suppose for us we looked at the positives. If his dad can't or won't change then the OP either has to find a way to make it work or accept it as it is.

wannabe_sybil

mumps - my mother died when I was an adult. When she died my life improved tremendously. Over ten years later I am still coming to terms with the damage that she did to my life.

I am sorry you had a loss, but sometimes people need to try and find a work around for an older person who won't help themselves. It's okay to let off steam. Different people have different lives and to be honest Paul's Dad has chosen not to help himself, long before this stage. I'd get tetchy if I were Paul.

ViolaLass

mumps wrote: »

I don't want him to feel bad but maybe to stop and think how lucky he is. I know what it is like to have an elderly parent, my mother and MIL both had their moments but I suppose for us we looked at the positives. If his dad can't or won't change then the OP either has to find a way to make it work or accept it as it is.

That's precisely what the OP is trying to do!

Ms_Chocaholic

Errata wrote: »

Only those earning in excess of £50k pa, I suspect.

I earn significantly less than £50, I also work in an office and can walk around at will, make a coffee and a few calls etc.

securityguy

"I just think it is sad that people can't take a step back and accept that people don't want to bother with new technology"

That's fine, but choices have consequences. People are perfectly free to refuse to use mobile phones, the Internet, debit cards or whatever this week's "oh, the old folk can't do that" nonsense is. However, other people are not then obliged to run around after them sorting out the mess.

Morglin

securityguy wrote: »

"I just think it is sad that people can't take a step back and accept that people don't want to bother with new technology"

That's fine, but choices have consequences. People are perfectly free to refuse to use mobile phones, the Internet, debit cards or whatever this week's "oh, the old folk can't do that" nonsense is. However, other people are not then obliged to run around after them sorting out the mess.

Well, nobody is obliged to do anything much really - but as I, and I am sure the others on this thread, all love our elderly (but awkward!) parents, we want to keep them safe.

I realise that some elderly people are worried about technology etc., and my Dad, on top of being a technophobe, being a really honest person, thinks everyone is just as honest (and gets scammed...:mad:).

I just wish he would just listen to us sometimes, when we are trying to help. :wall:

Lin

heartbreak_star

securityguy wrote: »

"I just think it is sad that people can't take a step back and accept that people don't want to bother with new technology"

That's fine, but choices have consequences. People are perfectly free to refuse to use mobile phones, the Internet, debit cards or whatever this week's "oh, the old folk can't do that" nonsense is. However, other people are not then obliged to run around after them sorting out the mess.

I accept my mum's never going to use the internet - but she's game when it comes to DVDs and mobile phones and the only issue with her contactless debit card is stopping her going on a bit of a spree!

HBS x

[Deleted User]

Ms_Chocaholic wrote: »

I earn significantly less than £50, I also work in an office and can walk around at will, make a coffee and a few calls etc.

Exactly. Pathetic comment by errata.

mumps

ViolaLass wrote: »

That's precisely what the OP is trying to do!

Really, he doesn't seem keen on anything that has been suggested. He has been quite rude at times, I think it was a post of mamans and calling another post pathetic. Moans about dad not phoning his mobile and then moans that he phoned him on his mobile 20 times and when he couldn't get him phoned on the home phone. Poor old man can't do right can he? My sympathies are with his dad.