I.T.V. Tonight Only the Lonely

[g.herschel]

Many older people describe themselves as lonely..tonights programme will ask should we all be better neighbours ...not carers but better neighbours ..for me as i have often said we do have a difference between carers and good neighbours ....

[charles47]

There's a big difference between a neighbour checking in on someone from time to time and a neighbour providing care, George.

[Melly1]

George, there are some good neighbours about, but they are in the minority.

Most folk seem just so busy getting on with their lives ... (and some just looking after no 1.)

I think the fact that more people work also influences it ie both partners. Many folk juggling working and bringing up their own families, supporting other family members etc.

When I was off sick from work recovering from my hip operation I used to practise my walking each day and I got to chat more to folk I met on route.

People also used to live in the area they grew up and so everyone knew each other.

I think where community links are poor, people do suffer. I always read Bigbear's posts and think how great her and Mr BB's estate sounds.

Melly1

[Guest]

Hi,
I'm new to this so sorry if I get anything wrong.
I watched this programme and as a carer I have to say i 'm totally different as a neighbour.
I listen to the people around me all whom are elderly and gain as much support from them as they do from me. As the youngest member of the community at the end of the road we live on I walk by the houses almost every day and people will look out for me or chat will walking the dog. In my role as a carer the listening is more active and i gain more of the information I need to have about needs, feelings and wishes from NV communication.
so I have to from my view say they are different roles with one similarity the act of listening not talking.

[Jimbo]

During our periods of being 'ill' and hospitalised this year, Jan and I have found out (as we had hopped) what fantastic neighbours, we have. All but the miserable old git, that we had the run in over the fences with, rallied around and filled the void left when Jan's promised 'care package' from social services failed to materialise. One neighbour, came in early every morning to help Jan get up, and make her a cuppa, she stayed until Jan had showered and dressed (just in case). She also provided Jan's meals through the week and got any shopping she needed. Another neighbour cooked Jan a Sunday roast every week and bought her up to the hospital ward so she could visit me. All the other neighbors (but one) would call in several time though the week to see if there was anything they could do to help.

When Jan was in hospital the same neighbours would invite me to eat with them, and would get shopping, if I didn't have time because I was visiting Jan.

We feel blessed, having such wonderful neighbours.

[rosemary]

We feel blessed, having such wonderful neighbours.

It shows the high regard they have for you both Jim

x x

[Jimbo]

[Pete the Paint]

We feel blessed, having such wonderful neighbours.

It shows the high regard they have for you both Jim

x x

That is so true Rosemary. Jim and Jan must be very well liked and thought of or that would never have happened.
They must both be 'givers' and therefore makes it easier for folk to want to help them out.

[Jimbo]

No no it's Jan, I'm just the help