Would this be too much/over-stepping boundaries for a stranger?

[Mumtoone3]

I’m currently in hospital, have been in and out for 2-3 weeks now. There’s an older lady in the bed next to me, she’s already been in for over 2 months and has no plan to be discharged anytime soon due to lack of carer’s for her when she gets home.

She has all her wits about her, she’s in for broken bones and things like that. I’ve only seen her have 1 person visit so far and her husband is miles away in a care home.

She just sits there day after day and she has to rely on using the hospital telephone at the nurses station to speak to her husband or family so because of how busy they are, it’s not very often - today she spoke to them for the first time in weeks.

She said she does know how to use a mobile phone but doesn’t have one because of signal where she lives at home. I’m due to hopefully be discharged soon and I was debating on whether to buy her a cheap mobile phone (£10-20) and put some money on it so she can contact her husband and family whenever she wants to.

Would this be totally over the top and would I look like a complete weirdo for doing this?

Totally fine

I think that is absolutely lovely!

I think that's amazing!

I think that would be kind and lovely thing to do . What a decent person you are .

There's not enough kindness in the world. I don't think she will take it any way other than how it was intended.

Ask if the hospital have a virtual visiting service and if not suggest they start one?

I think that’s really kind and thoughtful of you.

Sorry I wasn’t clear.

Yes that’s a great idea. But as well you could ask if the hospital have a virtual visiting service and if not suggest they start one.

I think its a lovely idea x

It’s a lovely idea and if you can do it I would.

Perfect idea! 🥰

I think it is a lovely idea.

In your shoes, I would want to make sure that she knows how to use it, to make and receive calls snd how to top it up while you are still around to help.

It's one thing for her to say she knows how to use a mobile, even better to see her use it and reassure her.

Could you get a phone as you describe and invite her to use it while you are around. If she is anything like my parents, there will be an ingrained idea that phones are too expensive to just chat.

Great idea, I hope it all works out.

Oh that is a lovely idea, you might have to help her store the numbers and show she how to use it but that's truly lovely.

It’s a lovely idea and an incredibly kind thing to do x

Of course it's ok. If she doesn't want it she'll probably politely thank you anyway.

Does the hospital have a 'Friends of' group who visit lonely people in hospital? If so, perhaps you could put this forward as a suggestion although perhaps Covid has put a stop to that sort of thing.

Lovely idea. Also show her how to top up the credit. My mum was in hospital and a visitor for another woman helped her. Was so kind. We are hours away.

Oh Op you just brought tears to my eyes, that's so thoughtful.

It’s a lovely idea but… why haven’t her husband and or family done this?

You’d think they’d care enough that she’s so isolated.

That is such a kind and thoughtful thing for you to do!

Aw OP you are lovely. I hope you continue to feel better yourself.

Absolutely not. Hospital stays can be so lonely and tough. Just knowing she can call her family on a rough day will likely mean a lot to her.

The world needs more people like you, Mumtoone3.

I think that’s the most adorable thing I’ve read in a while. You are one fantastic person x

I'd do it. Go for it.

Tesco sell a really cheap mobile with large push buttons, I think specifically designed for the elderly (it's not touch screen).