Helping elderly neighbour

[Orangeblossom78]

I offered to help my elderly neighbour in case of needing shopping, etc but am finding it a bit tricky.

I'm getting asked for bits and pieces such as to pick up certain newspaper at certain newsagent, (little cramped place) go to greengrocer (again the same) and on few different times on week

For example can I get milk and greens tomorrow at the above then the newspaper Saturday. Coupled with local supermarket (Co-op) only allowing one item per customer.

The elderly lady can only lift 1 pt containers so we are working out maybe to go back again.

But I'd rather not be making multiple trips etc near every day
Any thoughts or am I being unreasonable?

I am helping a neighbour but I have told them I will send a message to say when I am going shopping and where and then happily pick up anything from there. Obviously if something else was urgent then I would get it but trips are meant to be kept to a minimum for a reason

Be firm but polite and say to her that you can only go once a week and suggest she gets her paper (and milk if there is a milkman) delivered . Other than that look on Facebook for volunteers that work in your area delivering food to elderly and/or vulnerable people

Can you buy her a couple of small bottles of milk at a time, or you could check if she can set up a milk delivery for herself. I think at this point you need to tell her that you should be going to shops for essentials only and once or twice a week maximum. She can do without her daily paper.

Well, the couple living downstairs have written a note to say they can help also.

Yes saying once a week would be good perhaps. Then can go to the bigger shops and pick up more.

I could say we have been told to minimise shopping aiming at once a week, which is, well, the truth

Had a horrible expereince in local shop today where dodgy bloke game up with his beer right next to me and started arguing with the cashier about the amount.

No-one sent him back to the queue and had to pay with card leaning by him...was not good. Am now put off the cramped local shops.

No, I can't buy a couple as only allowed one. Could try and get a big one and decant into a smaller bottle perhaps. Maybe give some of mine

I think you need to say that the advice is you only go out when absolutely necessary and you don’t want to put yourself at unnecessary risk. One pint milks have good dates usually. She is going to have to be less fussy with where her food is. You’ll have to be firm

“Sorry Maud, we’ve been told to limit our shops to once a week now. I’ll go to Tesco on Saturday- let me know what you’d like me to pick up then to get you through the week.”

Vravendale (other brands available 😁) is very long dated, ours takes us up to 17th April. Not sure if it comes in pint size but certainly in 2 pints. Could you pick up a few of those?

Your neighbour will have to forego the paper: do they have internet access? Even most locals have websites now.

Cravendale 😊

I had a lovely note put through my door from a neighbour who knows that we are both over 70 and my wife is recovering from cancer. He offered any help that we need. I did want to ask him to weed the garden but my wife said that was wrong
I might ask him to get us some essentials if I feel unwell, or exhibit symptoms, but it would be a list letting him decide where to shop and exactly what to buy. In these times everyone needs to be flexible.

“I did want to ask him to weed the garden but my wife said that was wrong”

😂

No internet or TV. VV posh. Asks for things like certain flaked sea salts and organic dates and the like. Certain salads from M & S...

Wondering about pharmacy delivery also as the one nearby he's goes to is dodgy and full of people getting methadone etc (very mixed area)

Argh, not simple is it!

she, not 'he's

I think you should have been more specific in what you were offering to do, but they are being cheeky in asking for difficult items in various shops. It’s shouldn’t be hard to set them straight though. Just say that due to legislation you are only shopping once a week in a particular shop, and would they like anything from that shop

Well, the problem is I asked before all the current changes, so in the past would not have been an issue. But things have changed.

She knows she is not allowed out, because her daughter told her she is not to, but doesn't seem to be thinking about the multiple shops etc. Maybe just hasn't thought about it.