I work as a delivery driver, and omtonight on of my deliveries was to a not so elderly, but frail lady.
She ordered an old fashioned cord phone because she feels cut off and alone and is terrified of power cuts, so wants it as back up.
She lost her husband and kids, and is being tormented by the local riff raff. She is agoraphobic, as well as being terrified in her own home.
I'm going back tomorrow in my day off to bring her a splitter for her phone socket so she doesn't have to unplug her panic button.
I also said I'd take her some leaflets on cognitive behavioural therapy, and counselling for her grief, but I thought I'd get her some info on sheltered housing too because she's said she feels living there is the source of her problems. She's said she doesn't feel quite ready for that, but at least having the information might be of use to her when she is.
I was there for about an hour an a half talking to her, it's quite a sad story and I'd like to help. From the sound of things, somewhere with a bit of a community feel might do her the world of good.
So if any of you happen to have had any dealings with this sort of thing, any websites, agencies or even places to pick up leaflets you could suggest would be much appreciated. I really don't know where to look myself. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Also OP, specifically on the power cut topic, most power distributors (not suppliers, but the cable owners) operate priority services for vulnerable customers during a power cut, this can be as simple as having a member of staff on hand to chat via phone so the lady doesn't feel alone. It might be worth checking if her distributor operates anything like that |
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"Also OP, specifically on the power cut topic, most power distributors (not suppliers, but the cable owners) operate priority services for vulnerable customers during a power cut, this can be as simple as having a member of staff on hand to chat via phone so the lady doesn't feel alone. It might be worth checking if her distributor operates anything like that "
Thanks for that tip, I had no idea about that. I'll pass that on to her. And the age UK one too. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Also OP, specifically on the power cut topic, most power distributors (not suppliers, but the cable owners) operate priority services for vulnerable customers during a power cut, this can be as simple as having a member of staff on hand to chat via phone so the lady doesn't feel alone. It might be worth checking if her distributor operates anything like that
Thanks for that tip, I had no idea about that. I'll pass that on to her. And the age UK one too."
No worries. I'm assuming she's in Kent so would be covered by UK Power Networks. Here's a link to the page on their website for their priority service register
http://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/internet/en/power-cuts/priority-services-during-a-power-cut/ |
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"Also OP, specifically on the power cut topic, most power distributors (not suppliers, but the cable owners) operate priority services for vulnerable customers during a power cut, this can be as simple as having a member of staff on hand to chat via phone so the lady doesn't feel alone. It might be worth checking if her distributor operates anything like that
Thanks for that tip, I had no idea about that. I'll pass that on to her. And the age UK one too.
No worries. I'm assuming she's in Kent so would be covered by UK Power Networks. Here's a link to the page on their website for their priority service register
http://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/internet/en/power-cuts/priority-services-during-a-power-cut/"
Awesome, thanks so much. The others are a longer term thing but this will give her some peace of mind virtually straight away. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Also OP, specifically on the power cut topic, most power distributors (not suppliers, but the cable owners) operate priority services for vulnerable customers during a power cut, this can be as simple as having a member of staff on hand to chat via phone so the lady doesn't feel alone. It might be worth checking if her distributor operates anything like that
Thanks for that tip, I had no idea about that. I'll pass that on to her. And the age UK one too.
No worries. I'm assuming she's in Kent so would be covered by UK Power Networks. Here's a link to the page on their website for their priority service register
http://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/internet/en/power-cuts/priority-services-during-a-power-cut/
Awesome, thanks so much. The others are a longer term thing but this will give her some peace of mind virtually straight away."
No problem at all. I worked in social housing for many years and heard a lot of stories like this. Sheltered housing is a great step for people in that type of situation as they keep they're independence but just step up the security and community aspects of their living arrangements.
Hope she gets sorted, and well done you  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"there may be a befriending service through help the aged or social services. She needs company and conversation and help to get back outside.
Good luck"
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The accepted route is via a referral to adult social services. A GP's referral is often helpful.
Don;t know what social services are like in yr area but they're a bit fucked down our way since the cuts.
Age UK might be able to help, they're the biggest but I've never used them.
You will have to fight for this woman.
You can no longer trust that the system will do the right thing by her, I'm afraid. |
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