This happened and it makes me feel old and cross

Yes it needs to be challenged Romola and I'm not surprised it made you feel old and cross.

It is SO annoying when people do that. My instant response was to say yes, challenge it in no uncertain terms but then I thought what a difficult job hospital reception staff have so I would say challenge it gently.

I am with you, why do people treat us stupid. Could still teach them a lesson or two!!!

Yes do challenge it. And also talk to your DD. Ask her to always refer the receptionist or whoever back to you if/when this happens.
So irritating. I always attend appts on my own so it doesnt happen to me. And when I have dilating drops at the glaucoma clinic I go by bus. Luckily one drops me nearby. So I dont need a driver, but I can sympathise with now annoying this attitude is.

I ve never had it happen I don’t think

Do you think it was because as you d had drops in your eyes and couldn’t see, needing someone with you and the receptionist gave the directions to the person doing the directing

Just a thought

I suspect Bluebelle is right. Don’t let it upset you.

Bluebelle, if you are prepared to put up with being looked past because you are old and with a younger person, that's up to you.
I would hope to be polite, but I shall in future mention that it was I who had asked for information, not my younger companion.

Does he take sugar ?

Bluebell

That sounds perfectly logical.
.

BlueBelle

I ve never had it happen I don’t think

Do you think it was because as you d had drops in your eyes and couldn’t see, needing someone with you and the receptionist gave the directions to the person doing the directing

Just a thought

My thoughts exactly.

Wasn’t there a book written by a wheelchair bound women called “does she take sugar” which says it all really. Having spent some time in a wheelchair I can really sympathise

Does she take sugar?

Agree.. I would have said something! That is just plain rude....Did your daughter not say anything? Mine would.

My Mum was admitted to hospital a while ago, at night time the nurse came round with a bowl for teeth, Mum said I dont have false teeth to be told not to be shy and just put them in to soak. Mum dosn't have false teeth!!

One way round that would be to ask your DD to back away before asking.
It is annoying though.

I found this a lot when I was in a wheelchair after suffering an accident and had several broken bones in my leg, when I visited the hospital for a plaster change I gave the receptionist my appointment letter and spoke to her but she replied to my husband it’s so annoying and rude, I found it happened in shops too

Pinkhousegirl the book was written by a women in a wheelchair who wasn’t spoken to, just the person pushing her, so if she was being a cup of tea she wasn’t asked directly.

welbeck

Does he take sugar ?

That went through my mind too!!

teabagwoman

It is SO annoying when people do that. My instant response was to say yes, challenge it in no uncertain terms but then I thought what a difficult job hospital reception staff have so I would say challenge it gently.

This

They are overwhelmed, give them a break, but yes gently bring it up.

I think the gentle approach works better too. Done with a smile she'll remember you and the smile.

You could also go via local PALS to get a message sent out to all staff re agism - maybe even more effective, it will reach all staff - give PALS the wording you want.

BlueBelle

I ve never had it happen I don’t think

Do you think it was because as you d had drops in your eyes and couldn’t see, needing someone with you and the receptionist gave the directions to the person doing the directing

Just a thought

Actually quite possible, and she may have thought she was being helpful?

I was only giving what may have been a possible explanation no need to bite my head off Romola anyway I ll leave you to it

I would have said “Excuse me…I asked the question ,so I would like the answer”. Some of these receptionist believe they are just one step Delos the doctor or consultant.

BlueBelle, I thought Romola's response was a tad rude, too. Your explanation was a real possibility and quite acceptable.

Happened to me once when I went into a computer shop with a male relative. I wanted to buy a desk. The assistant kept addressing my companion.

"Talk to me sonny. Im the one with the money!"

Best teacher voice. I did enjoy it.