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

tyllwyd

I'd agree that regularly ringing twice a day at the same time could cause more problems than it solves on days where things crop up and you don't call. But maybe call before you go out when you know you are not going to be around that evening, and check for missed calls and unplug any upstairs phones so they won't wake the kids up when you get home.

[Deleted User]

David_Aston wrote: »

Sorry, I haven't read every post in this thread.
How does your Dad make a "no cost to him call", using his own mobile?
Forgive me if you have already explained that you have given him a mobile for which you are paying.

Yes I pay for the mobile calls. Or he can ring me and I will call him back - 20p?

[Deleted User]

Torry_Quine wrote: »

Is he phoning you at home during work hours and geting worked up at not reaching you? If so then does he not realise that you will be at work?

Personally I would never call someone at work unless an emergency situation and even then it wouldn't be on their mobile unless they are away from work base as I wouldn't expect mobiles to be on in work hours.

No. He rings at 6pm and then wonders where I am since I should be home from work (I'm rarely home by 6).

I guess it depends on the situation and where you work. Personal calls via landline or mobile are generally not a problem wherever I've worked.

[Deleted User]

claire16c wrote: »

Oh wow I remember the washing machine thread from before!

Does he do that now? As if not, who has been washing his clothes since the post about that?

All I can suggest you do, is tell him your landline is not working anymore, and your mobile number is your new number and can be used anytime of the day. Then ignore it if he calls the landline until he gets the message.

My Nan is 87 and texts!

LOL. Brother split up from girlfriend so that avenue was blocked. Brother moved in with someone else within weeks (don't ask!) and within weeks shes doing my Dads washing.. I dont get involved with that one.

[Deleted User]

daisiegg wrote: »

Could any of this be to do with the fact that it costs a lot more to phone a mobile than a land-line?

I know my grandparents will NEVER phone a mobile. They think it will cost them an absolute fortune. They also fret when people don't answer the phone. If they phone my home and I don't pick up, and it's a time when they think I should be home, they will immediately phone my mum to ask her if she knows where I am and worrying that something has happened to me!

It is partly that. Sounds familiar...

[Deleted User]

Humphrey10 wrote: »

On topic:
I've found a very simple solution - I've unplugged my house phone.
I put my mobile on silent so people can't wake me up in the night.
If people eg grandparents are worried about the cost of calling a mobile I am always happy to call them back if they ring me, to avoid it costing too much.

Every office I've worked in has been happy for people to receive personal calls during office hours (within reason - I doubt anywhere would be happy for you to be on the phone for hours gossiping about Eastenders every day!). I really don't know how you could convince your parents of that though.

Thinking about doing that to be honest.

MoneyMate

Not all mobiles have small buttons etc, have a look at this link, reviews are great, SIMPLE TO USE. :beer:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doro-PhoneEasy-612-pay-airtime/dp/B009PPBMEO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1369733662&sr=8-2&keywords=doro+easy+phone+612

Torry_Quine

[quote=[Deleted User];61512577]No. He rings at 6pm and then wonders where I am since I should be home from work (I'm rarely home by 6).

I guess it depends on the situation and where you work. Personal calls via landline or mobile are generally not a problem wherever I've worked.[/QUOTE]

You need to make it clear to him what time you do get in from work so that you are home when he calls. Also remember that calls after 6pm used to be cheaper

He was most likely when employed though not allowed any calls and things stick.

David_Aston

[quote=[Deleted User];61512545]Yes I pay for the mobile calls. Or he can ring me and I will call him back - 20p?[/QUOTE]

Sorry if I am not understanding this paulfoel. Have you possibly given him a payg mobile with perhaps fifty quid in it, and told him to let you know when it runs out?
If you are paying for any calls he makes, where does the 20p come in?

[Deleted User]

Torry_Quine wrote: »

You need to make it clear to him what time you do get in from work so that you are home when he calls. Also remember that calls after 6pm used to be cheaper

He was most likely when employed though not allowed any calls and things stick.

Isnt it 7pm now?

Yes, I agree. He worked in a factory all his life so personal calls only in an emergency.