I am not clear on what you are asking us. Are you speaking to your elderly parent everyday? - Do you want to? - Do you not want to? - Are you feeling self pressured / guilty for something?
If you hired a service to call and chat and he loves it, what is your concern? From what you share, he is enjoying the chats / socializing so I do not understand what your question is or how we can support you/r dad. He seems to be doing well.
If you’re looking for ways to keep your elderly loved ones connected, there are many services available that provide daily check in calls or friendly chats. They can range from simple social calls to wellness check ins where someone checks on health and well being. Here’s how to find these services:
1. Search online. Try looking up “daily check in services for seniors” or “companionship calls for seniors” for a list of national and local providers. 2. Area Agencies on Aging. Many local agencies provide check in services or connect you with volunteer programs. They can recommend trusted services in your area. 3. Health Insurance Providers. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer check in services as a benefit. Check with your provider to see if this is available.
Recommended Services: 1. Papa—phone: (800) 348-7951. Papa connects seniors with “Papa Pals” who can provide companionship, help with errands, transportation and more. Some Medicare Advantage plans cover Papa’s services, so check if your plan offers this benefit. 2. Carelinx—phone: (855) 227-3640. Carelinx matches families with caregivers for companionship and more hands on assistance. They work directly with some Medicare Advantage plans and serve many areas across the U.S.
For free or low cost options, check with local senior centers or Area Agencies on Aging, which often have volunteer based call programs.
These services can make a big difference in the lives of seniors who want more daily interaction and support.
There are volunteer organizations specializing in visiting elders - all round round, not just for year-end holidays. A person needs to do their research.
Our church has a Care Ministry where a specific team of volunteers calls and/or visits people who are "shut ins". We have a schedule so that they are visited regularly.
My county has a bureau for older citizens (or something like that) And when I contacted them for resources for my parents, they told me about a local volunteer group that will call once per day or visit once per week, and they will also provide rides, help with grocery shopping, and I can’t remember what else. My parents rejected it all.
You could try church groups, the library, the local community college, etc.
I wish my in-laws would have enjoyed/allowed daily telephone visits, but sadly they are gone and it never became part of their lifestyle. Glad that services of this kind exist now .
ebonylady2024: I lost my dad when he was just 50. I spoke to my mother multiple times per day until I had to move in with her from out of state to provide care. She lived to 94. Not a tech service.
I am currently looking into a Zoom, chat service or online service for support. Since I am alone in CA without local relatives, peer support for my health condition is preferred. I live with pre-diabetes, manage well at home but like to eat out often when meeting up.
If you are willing to try an AI chatbot, you just might find it helpful? ChatGPT or Pi are ones you could try. Both free. Don’t give them your real name, address, or any identifying info like phone number, etc. but they are infinitely patient and friendly and surprisingly good at chatting. You can say “I have prediabetes and need to watch what I eat. I like to eat out.” And they will discuss endlessly if you want, 24/7! You can even tell them “tell me a joke” or “I’m sad today” and they can respond kind of like a friend would.
Pi has been trained in “unconditional positive regard” and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.
I have asked them about friends I am concerned about (without using real names) and also how to handle stressful interactions at work and gotten good advice.
Wow, I never heard of such a thing. How do you pay? Is this something you pay by the hour? By the minute? Have you vetted these folks to be certain you aren't dealing with scammers and hackers? Honestly I am not AGAINST this at all, but just have not ever heard of it.
No, I never talked to my parents daily. In fact I grew up in a family of letter writers and in latter years, with only my brother and I left, when not in the same town as one another we always wrote long long letters. We would talk I would say once a week or so.
I would guess, cannot quite remember, I talked to my folks more often when they were in their 90s, more or less checking in to make sure all was well, they sounded good. They remained fairly strong and active into aging. With their own lives and interests.
This is great! Where do you find something like this? Even though I’m here with them 24/7 right now, I can’t imagine how much they’d love to make an outside connection/friend to chat with! Thanks for sharing.
When my dad was living alone and lonely we did talk daily. It was fine to me. He was understanding if I had to go attend to something else. There wasn’t any service like you describe in the area. Nice that you have this and dad likes it. One of the saddest things is to be lonely and have no one to talk with
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Are you speaking to your elderly parent everyday?
- Do you want to?
- Do you not want to?
- Are you feeling self pressured / guilty for something?
If you hired a service to call and chat and he loves it, what is your concern?
From what you share, he is enjoying the chats / socializing so I do not understand what your question is or how we can support you/r dad. He seems to be doing well.
Gena / Touch Matters
1. Search online. Try looking up “daily check in services for seniors” or “companionship calls for seniors” for a list of national and local providers.
2. Area Agencies on Aging. Many local agencies provide check in services or connect you with volunteer programs. They can recommend trusted services in your area.
3. Health Insurance Providers. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer check in services as a benefit. Check with your provider to see if this is available.
Recommended Services:
1. Papa—phone: (800) 348-7951. Papa connects seniors with “Papa Pals” who can provide companionship, help with errands, transportation and more. Some Medicare Advantage plans cover Papa’s services, so check if your plan offers this benefit.
2. Carelinx—phone: (855) 227-3640. Carelinx matches families with caregivers for companionship and more hands on assistance. They work directly with some Medicare Advantage plans and serve many areas across the U.S.
For free or low cost options, check with local senior centers or Area Agencies on Aging, which often have volunteer based call programs.
These services can make a big difference in the lives of seniors who want more daily interaction and support.
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You could try church groups, the library, the local community college, etc.
I am currently looking into a Zoom, chat service or online service for support. Since I am alone in CA without local relatives, peer support for my health condition is preferred. I live with pre-diabetes, manage well at home but like to eat out often when meeting up.
Pi has been trained in “unconditional positive regard” and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.
I have asked them about friends I am concerned about (without using real names) and also how to handle stressful interactions at work and gotten good advice.
PS I’m a real human.
How do you pay? Is this something you pay by the hour? By the minute?
Have you vetted these folks to be certain you aren't dealing with scammers and hackers?
Honestly I am not AGAINST this at all, but just have not ever heard of it.
No, I never talked to my parents daily. In fact I grew up in a family of letter writers and in latter years, with only my brother and I left, when not in the same town as one another we always wrote long long letters. We would talk I would say once a week or so.
I would guess, cannot quite remember, I talked to my folks more often when they were in their 90s, more or less checking in to make sure all was well, they sounded good. They remained fairly strong and active into aging. With their own lives and interests.
Interesting post, this.