I have an elderly neighbour who is becoming increasingly more needy.
It all started when my cat went missing and another neighbour said he often went to a flat a couple of roads over where there was an elderly man that feeds cats Dreamies.
I went to ask him not to feed my cat as he is on a special diet. I knocked on the door, and he answered and told me he was blind and really lonely. He was crying and saying he had no-one. It really upset me. I started visiting once a week to have a cup of tea with him. Sometimes he phoned me if he’s had a letter that he needs reading.
But it’s really tough. He needs much more company than I can give but he has no family or any local friends.
A volunteer does his shopping once a week and he’s recently started going to a coffee morning once a week.
But other than that he is sat in his flat on his own 7 days a week unable to see and with no one to talk to.
I’m ok to visit once a week, maybe twice, but I’m stretched really thin and really struggle to do more and keep all up with all my responsibilities to work and family and I’m having some health issues of my own.
He’s having a cataract operation next week which might improve the sight in one eye but has no-one to support afterwards. He’s asked if I’ll take time off work to go round and help with Eyedrops etc. I really can’t. Next week at work is a huge launch and I won’t get the time off. I’m not sure why there is no care plan in place for him after the op.
I spoke to my husband and said I’d call social services or age concern to see if he can get short term help for after the operation. My husband is annoyed at me getting involved when he’s not our problem and I’m already have enough on my plate. I’m happy to make the calls to help him get the care he needs.
Has anyone else been in this situation? What did you do?