What I did today.

Today, I'm feeling fed up, down, depressed frustrated and insecure.
Last night I went to go to bed and found my stairlift wasn't working.
Realised that my cleaner must have knocked the trip switch when vacuuming.
Went upstairs on hands and knees! Couldn't reset trip!
Decided to stay upstairs rather than risking falling down which I have done in the past!
Trapped upstairs until morning when Gary woke and got my message.
Finally at about 8am Gary came and sorted switch.
It's made me realise how vulnerable I am on my own.
I love my house SO MUCH and don't want to leave it but I'm now looking at bungalows!
I am very upset!

Oh Jeni sorry to hear that. Surely one malfunction doesn't mean to need to rush to move? Having a good support circle and friends around you is every bit as important. Cleaner needs educating and perhpas you need more people around who can come to the rescue when necessary. I see the sense of a bungalow, but don't rush into anything.

So sorry to hear this jeni - do not despair! We are all so dependent on technology now. Keep loving your house and enjoy it. I have felt very insecure since my fall, worrying about the steepness of our situation - but, like you, I love it and when I settle down a bit I will go on loving it and stop worrying about it.

I have just spent half an hour throwing away most of the contents of our freezer - I managed to get up the step to the utility room for the first time in nearly 4 weeks and found that OH had not shut the door properly on Monday (when he last went in there) - I did not risk keeping the fish and chicken items - we have enough on our plate without food poisoning! But it goes against the grain in a HUGE way to see this food wasted - I will just have to close my mind to it - what is done is done.

It's not the first time. Last time I ended on the floor for 2hours until the police came and ended up in hospital with 4 stitches in my scalp.
Angel next door is away on holiday and Kate and Gary were fast asleep. All the other neighbours are in their 80s
I have been debating it for some time as if I want to stay here its going to mean doing some very pricey alterations.this is just the last straw.
There is a lovely looking bungalow going about 1/4 mile from here with similar sea views. I'm going to look at it. It's pricey and I have no idea what mine is worth?
Just 'watch this space'

jeni; for some reason I've been thinking about you today because I realised we'd not heard from you for a while and I didn't remember you saying anything about work this week...in fact I was at the point of starting a thread asking if you were ok. I agree that you shouldn't rush into anything, but, if the bungalow has got a great view it sounds like a good idea. You MUST have that view. Big hug.

Fingers crossed Jeni that the bungalow is perfect and your house is worth oodles. Somehow though house moves always cost more than they should but hopefully it's worth it in the end.

Unsettling times for you. Good luck!

Maybe do the research and see what is out there, so you have something concrete to weigh up.

This may seem unacceptable to you - independent as you are - but have you thought of an alarm necklace for when you are at home? It might just provide that bit of cionfidence that will allow you to stay where you wish to be and to reinforce your independence.

I think the bungalow and my house should be about the same! So the cost should be affordable. I'm going to try to arrange a view and get the estate agent to give me an estimate on my house,
The bungalow is detached and I'm terraced but my house is a lot bigger.

Keep us posted!

Mishap. I have had one for several years.
Unfortunately sometimes both of my key holders are unavailable. I have now arranged for it to go straight to the police. They will have to break the door down to get in!

Jeni the realisation of your vulnerability is a huge shock,and as bad I would imagine as your being trapped upstairs hug ]]]]] for youxxxxxxlove Nellie.

Just letting you know I am still about ...just got caught up job huntingxxxxxxlots love to,you allxxxx

I've known I'm vulnerable for years! But as I approach my 68th birthday and it gets more difficult and painful to do anything I'm realising I have to give up the fight!
I don't like it! But I must be realistic. I'm seeing DD on sat ,so will discuss with her. She has allways dissuaded me from moving because she knows how much I love this house!
But! Her infant teacher always said that she was the most logical child she has ever known! In fact, I think she is a clone of Bags!
I will probably go by her advice!

Jeni Rather than the police breaking in, why don't you get a key safe fitted outside the front door? Then you could give the code number to whoever you chose.

Exactly - my friend had a stroke, and she has one of those safe key box outside with a code- so us, her best friend know the code, as well as her carers.
She also wears an alarm, so if she presses it she connects straight to a few preselected numbers in turn.

It may well be the best thing for you to move, but don't decide until you've considered all the safety options first. Bonne chance.

Good thought! But! Police won't accept that. It still does not address the fact that this house is to big and not disabled friendly!
Eg. I have a staircase of 12 steps. Ok. Stairlift. It then turns through 90decrees and again and it not possible to put a curving stair lift in as the main soil pipe is In The corner. I then have another 4sreps to negotiate.
I have looked at lifts etc but all VERY EXPENSIVE
The bungalow I'm going to look at is just down the road and has the same if not better views!

Well I'm tired! Going to bed!
Hope I get up safely !
I really AM feeling very unsafe!
Goodnight all

jeni - feel for you.

jeni you really do sound fed up and I remember it wasn't all that long ago that you were feeling similarly down. Might it be time just to check up with your GP to see if there's anything s/he can help with? I know you're in a lot of pain and that it's hard to 'think straight' in that situation so it's a wise move to involve your daughter in discussing a possible move.

jeni, sorry you are feeling so vulnerable. Twelve years ago it looked like a good idea for me to downsize into an end terrace house with rather a steep staircase. It doesn't seem quite so good now. I'm quite scared of being ill, like I was when I was hit by labyrinthitis at New Year! I am sure you'll find a solution - with a sea view, of which I will be most envious. Take it easy - moving is immensely stressful both emotionally and physically. ((((hugs))))

Take care jeni and will you please let us know you are safe in the morning?

[jeni] I do feel for you. ((((hugs)))) The thought of suddenly not managing at home is scary. Take care

jeni even! (I got my post symbols mixed up there!) Clearly time for bed. I am off to see DGS tommorow and I am told he has just started to smile. Night all.

Jeni, sorry to hear you are feeling vulnerable, lots of lovely sensible suggestions have flown your way, can I add a frivolous one? It involves Harvey Nicks..... I'm sure you can guess the rest! xx

jeni hope you are feeling better today. If you do move look on it as a huge adventure

gally do hope you make it home safe.

gjura what a star.

Mishap can you claim on your insurance for the spoilt food? Probably not worth the effort but, a thought!

ga hope you are feeling better and ready for tomorrow and that the sun shines on the happy couple.

I had a gastric flu thing (technical term!!) which has left me needing to go to bed in the afternoons so it's a good job DD2 is terribly organised (or a control freak) and I have not had yo be involved in her wedding preparations. I will endeavour to stay awake for the speeches tomorrow and then take to my bed, in time for 'Strictly'

Jeni how are you feeling this morning? I hope you slept well