Loneliness

[Chrissie48]

My mum is in her early 70s and is a widow and has suspected dementia. She gets fidgety in the afternoon and wants to go out but gets lost and in danger.

She can look after herself personal care wise and with support from us has shopping etc and meals on wheels so she doesn’t need carers yet. She doesn’t have the confidence to join a club or socialise. Anyone have any suggestions about keeping her safe and less lonely?

Unfortunately she doesn’t have any friends or family close by apart from me.

 

[canary]

Hello @Chrissie48 and welcome to Talking Point.
Re the loneliness - have you thought about a befriending service? Various charities offer this service - I know Age UK and Tu Vida both do. Tu Vida are also willing to take people out for something like coffee somewhere. You do have to pay for these services, but it would give your mum someone else to talk to.

 

[Chrissie48]

Hello @Chrissie48 and welcome to Talking Point.
Re the loneliness - have you thought about a befriending service? Various charities offer this service - I know Age UK and Tu Vida both do. Tu Vida are also willing to take people out for something like coffee somewhere. You do have to pay for these services, but it would give your mum someone else to talk to.

Thanks for the suggestions, I will look into it further. I know she would enjoy some company but the first step is getting her to see it is a good idea.

 

[Jale]

Mum was offered a friend support through Age UK - someone would visit with mum and have a chat and a cuppa but mum refused it. I think it was suggested by the occupational therapist and they contacted Age UK initially

 

[canary]

Unfortunately, the default response by someone with dementia when asked whether they want something is "no"
Sometimes you just have to go ahead, act as if they have already agreed and implement it.

 

[Chrissie48]

My mum wouldn’t let them in if they turned up. Part of the problem is if she agrees to something she wants me to be there which kinda defeats the object. She is very much in denial that there is anything wrong.

 

[Chrissie48]

Tu Vida don’t cover my area but I will still give Age UK a try.