Elderly relatives

50Twuncle

My wife is worrying herself sick about her aged parents (93 and 87)  they both have major health issues - they live on their own in the West Midlands - they don't have the internet - so can;t use facebook groups  - Their son (who lives close by) has no transport - if locked down, how will they survive ?

They can't even contact their GP - No response on the phone !!

Buses are not running locally - so can't travel anywhere - Taxis are too expensive and hard to book

The local (corner) shop is extremely limited in what it can supply - even bread and milk appears "rationed"

Doesn't look very good !

comeandgo

So what have you done since you mentioned this last week?  You were given lots of advice but had  excuse after excuse as to why they would not work.

50Twuncle

comeandgo said:

So what have you done since you mentioned this last week?  You were given lots of advice but had  excuse after excuse as to why they would not work.

My wife has spoken to the LA - Who told her that there were many people in the same situation and that they would add them to a "register" but what does that mean ?

Other suggesions - facebook group - how ?

Local shops - delivering - too busy/scared/not possible

We really want to bring them down South - but they are adamant that they want to stay put !

Smodlet

I hope they have neighbours who will help them.  I don't suppose giving them a lap top and teaching them how to use it is an option or you would have thought of it already.  Surely they can ring you and you can try to organise online deliveries for them?  Good luck with that if your area is anything like ours but it might help.

How about going to see them and asking what you can do to help?  People are being asked to do that for their neighbours; surely you can do it for your relatives.  If this sounds judgemental, it is not meant to though I cannot help but wonder if this is some kind of retribution from Mother Nature (substitute whatever power(s) you believe in)  Flights are restricted, quite rightly so - less pollution.  People can't go to work - ditto.  We all need to rethink the way we shop:  Need over want - gotta be good for the planet, right?

I am still seriously peed off about the prospect of running out of the essentials, though.  <I miss the beer icon... And the wink icon>

50Twuncle

Smodlet said:

I hope they have neighbours who will help them.  I don't suppose giving them a lap top and teaching them how to use it is an option or you would have thought of it already.  Surely they can ring you and you can try to organise online deliveries for them?  Good luck with that if your area is anything like ours but it might help.

How about going to see them and asking what you can do to help?  People are being asked to do that for their neighbours; surely you can do it for your relatives.  If this sounds judgemental, it is not meant to though I cannot help but wonder if this is some kind of retribution from Mother Nature (substitute whatever power(s) you believe in)  Flights are restricted, quite rightly so - less pollution.  People can't go to work - ditto.  We all need to rethink the way we shop:  Need over want - gotta be good for the planet, right?

I am still seriously peed off about the prospect of running out of the essentials, though.  <I miss the beer icon... And the wink icon>

They live 150 miles away from us - have no knowledge of tech and no - teaching them how to use the internet is not possible !!!

It may be possible to do it from our end - if we can get a list of requirements from them - as long as they can survive a week without any food (deliveries round us are booked solid for over a week - so presumably are they)

Smodlet

Can't get a delivery for the 3 weeks the websites of all the major supermarkets allow for here so I would at least check whether you can even book a delivery for them.  You must know their post code, right?  If you can, I would grab it quickly!

I read something today about the army providing emergency contacts for people without help from family/friends, who are self isolating, so they don't starve.  Sorry, I can't remember where I saw it, nor do I know how much truth there is in it but it might be worth a google.  HTH.

Narola1976

May I ask where they live in west mids 

50Twuncle

Narola1976 said:

May I ask where they live in west mids 

North of Birmingham

p00hsticks

50Twuncle said:

 they don't have the internet - so can;t use facebook groups  - Their son (who lives close by) has no transport - if locked down, how will they survive ?

Do they have a phone ?

Does their son have internet access ?

You obviously do. So even if the son can't,  there's nothing to stop you setting up a facebook account (if you don;t have one already) and joining any COVID-19 help group local to both to them. And then if they need anything they can phone you (or the son) to let you know and you can post to their local group asking for help and someone should be able to get them what they need.

Find a group local to them (and you) here

https://covidmutualaid.org/

I recommend you also join one local to your own area in case you also need support.

suki1964

The government has said they are stepping into help for those who don't have help to hand

In the meantime as Poohstick has said, join FB and find their nearest Covid-19 local group for help. They will be helped with everything they need, shopping, chemist, a talk on the phone, whatever. Even ringing the local Parish church will ensure they get help or the Salvation Army

The son, if we are locked down, will not be stopped from helping his parents, Yes he will only be allowed as far as the doorstep, but he can still get food and prescriptions to them, that will always be allowed

spiritus

• Start exploring meals on wheel options. They might well be booked up now but may make exceptions.
• Don't give up with supermarket deliveries. Slots DO become available but you need to schedule three weeks in advance.I have done that for my mum. Once you have confirmed one delivery slot then wait a few days before booking the next one.
• Look for FB groups in their area and reach out for help. There are many good souls out there.
• Contact local churches who may be doing something to help
• Try local shops rather than supermarkets-ring them.
• Restaurants may be able to offer some help