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Elderly parents
Original poster

Where to find someone to keep my dad company?

17 replies

Newhouse76 · 15/04/2019 20:47

Parents live about 50 minutes drive from a city in Scotland.

DF is 79, early alziehmers and we are looking for someone to come round a couple of times a week to play some card games with him and walk around the block with him. This would give my mum a bit of a break too.

I dont think we need a carer at this stage.

Could anyone help me name the type of service im looking for and let me know where i could find this?

OP posts:
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helpfulperson · 17/04/2019 22:01

Another vote for alzheimer's Scotland. The local organiser visited mum and provided all sorts of useful information including details of a local 'dementia cafe'. She also arranged an amazing lady who came for a couple of hours a week. She couldn't take dad out but she kept him company in the house and did a bit of light housework eg ironing or dusting. Mum could either go out or do things like gardening knowing someone else was 'in charge' of dad.

Fortysix · 16/04/2019 14:16

What Titana says. They are truly marvellous.

CMOTDibbler · 16/04/2019 11:16

I'd see if you can find an independent Carer as starting with some social activities is a really good way to build trust and get them used to someone coming in.
My parents have a Carer, and once a week she takes mum out for a coffee and a trip round a garden centre. Mum won't tolerate the day centre at all

DIZZYTIGGER87 · 16/04/2019 10:56

Possibly try local faith groups... I know that quite a few offer home visits, and not all of them will push their religion...or see if there's a local listening group/memory cafe where someone may be able to visit your dad

bilbodog · 16/04/2019 10:32

Check with the alzheimers society, they might have local groups who have volunteers who do this. Also there might be day centres your dad could go to.

Finfintytint · 16/04/2019 10:02

I would advertise for a self employed housekeeper/companion. I provide this service in my semi retirement. I do a little bit of housework but it’s mainly companionship, playing scrabble and dominoes, etc.

BigcatLittlecat · 16/04/2019 09:59

I had to call agescotland yesterday about my FIL who lives in Scotland and they were very helpful! They had a lot of information they could give out.

MereDintofPandiculation · 16/04/2019 09:56

There's basically two sources 1) volunteer befriending services 2) paid for - if you google care elderly agency and her nearest big town, or something similar, you'll dig out a number of care agencies in her area some of whom will offer befriending among their other services

TitianaTitsling · 15/04/2019 21:21

And maybe look at income maximisation for attendance allowance in case it's a chargeable service.

TitianaTitsling · 15/04/2019 21:20

Hi OP as you/he is up in a Scotland, try this site www.alzscot.org

stucknoue · 15/04/2019 21:19

I have done this for people, not near them alas - care agencies have people who will do this

Langrish · 15/04/2019 21:16

House bound, not e bound!

Binglebong · 15/04/2019 21:16

Try googling Social Prescribing too. Not sure if it covers Scotland but very useful for this situation in England.

Langrish · 15/04/2019 21:16

Another Age Concern recommendation here. Don’t know if it’s the same in all areas, but my e bound MIL has a volunteer befriender who comes in to see her a couple of times each week. Chats, shares a cup of tea and does bits and pieces of shopping for her. She’s lovely, a mature lady herself, very local and her husband has even done a couple of little odd jobs in the house.

Original poster
Newhouse76 · 15/04/2019 21:12

Thanks so much both of you! Ill start with the council and age concern.

Fellagonerogue - your friends service sounds amazing

OP posts:
FellaGoneRogue · 15/04/2019 20:59

A friend of mine has set up this very service! Unfortunately no where near you though. She is truly amazing and has given up quite a successful career to focus on doing something she loves, is offered about 5 times as much work as she can manage.

MistakenHoliday · 15/04/2019 20:57

You mean like a befriending service? We've looked into these locally for my stepdad and there's a lot on offer - maybe start at the Age Concern or local council websites?

We found asking on local Facebook pages worked too - there were a fair few people who were happy to help out with this as it gave them some companionship too. Hope you find something!