Preparing for Winter

ScattyStudent1

Oh God thats just awful! we always look to make sure our older neighbours are ok, but we live in a small village, maybe that makes a difference.
(my friend in the wheelchair is only 32 by the way, just realised I may have made her sound old)

Frugaldom

BigMummaF wrote: »

Our local news this morning said a couple were found in their home after the police had to break in They were surrounded by elderly neighbours too, who had apparently been trying to get social services to visit since before crimbo :eek:
Perhaps it's time to stop showing ads for bluddin furniture & more for useful contact numbers like Help the Aged & Meals on Wheels :mad:

Hi BMF, I'd like to know how to prepare elderly relatives for winter when they refuse to even acknowledge that they are pensioners, let alone behave sensibly with regards to budgeting to cover the ridiculous costs of heating a house that's far too big for them? Or those in their 90s who refuse help form anyone, including sending back meals on wheels, scolding 'nosey' neighbours for offering to help and 'sacking' home help from Help the Aged because she 'can do a better job' on their own! :rolleyes: I have 3 post-pension age relatives 100 miles away with about 25 miles between them and they are each as stubborn as one another. When the pipes froze outside last week, my MOTHER (OK, she's a young pensioner just this side of 70) dragged out the ladders and went up with a hairdryer on an extention cable, but froze her hand to the metal rung rather than wear gloves! How does everyone else prepare stubborn elderly relatives for winter?

jamanda

Through constant "sneaky" nagging I have got my mum wearing thermal vests, snuggling in a big fluffy blanket (Bought off me - wouldn't accept it as a gift) and a few more bits and bobs of food in stock. All her own idea now, of course.

Offered to go and fetch parents (around 80) to take them to stock up on bread, milk etc., but they said they had enough of everything. Next thing, 80 year old father walks about a mile in the snow, then comes back and gets car out and goes to Tesco for the bread and milk they "didn't need".

My Dad's mum died at his age after breaking her hip slipping on ice, but I think their independence means more to them than their life sometimes.

Confuzzled

IMadeMyOwnLuck wrote: »

I was thinking that the likes of wii might be an idea for people who can`t get out. At least they would have something to do

i can vouch for the wii, the sports games are great for being active though a lot of other games get you moving, more than you'd think

one favourite of ours is rayman and the raving rabbids, really silly games but you can build up a sweat from them and they make you laugh too

Janebo12

I've picked up lots of tips on here, so thought I'd share this one:

I was just looking for a dressing gown for my mum and found this link - don't think I'll be buying it though as it seems a bit expensive! :rotfl:

http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/womens-nightwear/m&s-fur-trim-wrap.asp#pricealert

You need to scroll up to the top!

Gigervamp

Janebo12 wrote: »

I've picked up lots of tips on here, so thought I'd share this one:

I was just looking for a dressing gown for my mum and found this link - don't think I'll be buying it though as it seems a bit expensive! :rotfl:

http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/womens-nightwear/m&s-fur-trim-wrap.asp#pricealert

You need to scroll up to the top!

:rotfl: :T Well spotted!

IMadeMyOwnLuck

BigMummaF wrote: »

Our local news this morning said a couple were found in their home after the police had to break in They were surrounded by elderly neighbours too, who had apparently been trying to get social services to visit since before crimbo :eek:
Perhaps it's time to stop showing ads for bluddin furniture & more for useful contact numbers like Help the Aged & Meals on Wheels :mad:

help the aged were told and refused to help because it wasn`t a relative who told them. Absolutely disgraceful of help the aged, shame on them

BigMummaF

I've already told the Offspring to shoot me if I end up like me muvva :rotfl:Opinionated & talks loudly when she sees someone doing or wearing something she thinks needs commenting on while I try to walk away, & it's not all down to wearing hearing aids :doh:To be fair tho, she is well into her 80s & still lives totally independent apart from me taking her shopping & her medical appts, so I engage selective hearing when the phone goes for the fifth time in two hours but that's one skill I'm glad I've inherited from her
Do you think we will be as contrary when we reach their ages :rolleyes: I remember all to clearly the time I realised I was more like my parents than I'd ever imagined...The Offspring had new shoes for school & I was in full finger-wag mode warning of the consequences of wearing them out to play I also know the Offspring are cross when I pass opinion considered OOD & mum annoys me when she keeps faffing with my coat even tho I've just got out of the car

Guess it must be frustrating--I know it annoys the beejeezus outta me even now!--when your body refuses to do the things your memory says it used to & Jamanda has said it better than I. All we can do is offer our services, give them the information we have gleaned & let them get on with it :undecided same as everyone else we encounter on The Journey That Is Life.

THIRZAH

The Council phoned DF when he was 70 to see if he needed help with mobility etc-it took a short while for him to get to the phone as he was up on the roof mending a leak.

calleyw

THIRZAH wrote: »

The Council phoned DF when he was 70 to see if he needed help with mobility etc-it took a short while for him to get to the phone as he was up on the roof mending a leak.

:rotfl:

Any how just to let people know if you have bought the Asda cheap fleece blankets you can use them as linings for curtains and making door curtains with very little sewing.

My husband discovered the other day that they have hem with enough gap to thread a wire through. For a door you will have to sew two together as they are not long enough. But I have been going crazy looking for curtains to go over the back and front doors. Nearly spend £15 the other day on a pair. I have four of the fleeces kicking around as I use them as covers for the sofa to stop my husband wrecking it.

I will need to get out my other throw.

Also husband has started to put a double duvet in the single chair. He sits on it and he gets cold can wrap around himself. He said just sitting on it makes him feel so much warmer.

Yours

Calley