Companionship for elderly parents

[user1479463048]

Hi all. My grandparents (DM's DF and DF's DM) were lucky enough to have lots of grandchildren.

We didn't all live close to them, but would call them on the phone regularly.

As with most elderly people, they were both lonely, and loved chatting to people on the phone. When we would call them up, it would make their day.

I'm wondering. Could this kind of feeling of companionship and connectedness be recreated between strangers?

If there was a service which connected your elderly parent to someone who shared their interests, and who they would chat to, would this be a good idea?

There are so many articles you read about the problem of loneliness among elderly people, and I want to see what can be done about it.

Thoughts and experiences are very much appreciated!

[Sosidges]

In some areas the Red Cross offer a befriending service. Also if they are ex service then you might be able to find a servicemans association. I think RAFA is the airforce but do not know about Army or Navy Associations.

[CatThiefKeith]

I work for a community interest company that does exactly this OP. There are lots of them around. What area are you in?

[user1479463048]

HI CatThiefKeith - I'm in London, but the idea would be that this would be a service that could be delivered over the phone, so no need (necessarily) to be in the same area.

Do you think this is feasible?

What sort of community interest company do you work for?

[CatThiefKeith]

I live in a fairly rural area so we support people with transport to local clubs, medical appointments, practical stuff like gardening as well as befriending.

Our service users and volunteers both fill in an interest checklist and then we try to match them up with the best fit. Sometimes the volunteers call in and sometimes it is a telephone call.

[VivienneWestwoodsKnickers]

Age UK and other charities do befriending services, which sounds like your suggestion.

[Noitsnotteatimeyet]

The Royal Voluntary Service have lots of services like this - 'Good Neighbours', telephone befrienders etc

[fluffygal]

I do befriending for Age UK- RVS also do it. Silverline is a 24 hour telephone service you can call if you are older and feel lonely.