Looking for a friend

I've made some very good friends here keepingquiet and retained a couple even though they're no longer on GN.

Bluebelle wasn't being rude SA57.

I'm afraid I don't have any advice to add to what's already been given Barry and hope that what has been given is of some help.

No word of thanks from Barry to posters who were kind enough to reach out to him.

I’ve always found that to find friends you have to be a friend first, not easy if you are not outgoing, one has to I feel just get out there, I’m not a natural joiner but I’m forcing myself to do it.

I also have no family, and I have done the same as BlueBelle and tried to organise and pay for cremation costs, etc.

I have two good pen friends here on GN. We live so far away that I doubt we will ever meet.

I meet a couple of local GNs each month for coffee and a natter. This has been going on for nearly six years now.

Before COVID, I met up for coffee/lunch with around eight others, but the store closed, and we have not managed to meet since. I am very friendly with one GN I met there, and we met for coffee, but it is awkward for us to meet because of where we live. We are in constant communication.

Age UK and RVS used to have volunteer befrienders. They would visit the home or meet up somewhere. People with similar interests were attempted to be matched. The volunteers are DBS checked. If this is still going it may help with the friendship/ future loneliness side of things Barry.

I have never met anyone on here, but I like to think we are friends,
I have had some good support from here in the past.

My Auntie had a befriending service after her family and partner died, possibly via a church? The lady that befriended her helped her with legal and medical stuff, also arranged her funeral. Shed distanced herself from the family sadly and we had no idea she was ill and alone.

Thank you PinkSweetPea, I have never heard of Independent Age, and thank you for posting the link. I am alone with a few close friends, but no family, and always looking for ways to get information and support for myself as I continue to age. (So far, so good.) And good luck BarryG1 . Very brave and sensible of you to reach out to Gransnetters.

Independent Age is very good, they have lots of information and guides on their website and also a free helpline. Their website is www.independentage.org. Hope that helps

Everyone has a different idea of friend. Its a word lacking in depth and definition.

BarryG1, I hope you found something of use here, if not, ask again. We are glad you are here.

I have found that for every one person who is brave enough to ask a question, there are a hundred more people wondering the same thing.

SA57

BlueBelle don't be so rude, everyone has a different experience on here!
Keepingquiet well done for speaking out😁

I haven’t been rude at all SA5 * Keepingquiet made a sweeping statement about her experience I gave the opposite view there is absolutely nothing rude about that at all.

BlueBelle don't be so rude, everyone has a different experience on here!
Keepingquiet well done for speaking out😁

Ah, I maybe have misunderstood. Sorry Barry, as someone else said, contact age concern who might be able to help. If you feel you need care at the moment, then your local council adult social care department. You could always look in your local public library and ask the library assistant if they can direct you. Are you a member of a church? They might be able to help

Keepingquite that’s you! there are some lovely people (who become friends) on GN
68 is very young to be worrying so do you have illness or disabilities Barry I m not sure what you are looking for
Information ….Age concern, social services, liberties have lists of help for various things
Introverts still can have friends and hobbies to keep them
interested which keeps you young
I m not an introvert and still very much in life and doing …although a lot older but these are the things I ve set up
POA both heath and financial
Cremation Organised and paid for
All necessary paperwork in a fireproof case in a place known by executor
Views on possible necessary help known, ie care home or care in my home
Do you have children, siblings, or other relations you have contact with ?

Age Concern have a free advice line, they can possibly point you in the right direction.

Grandmabatty, I think the OP was looking for a friend to help him find out how to get care. (Not looking for a friend to give care). You do give good advice for getting legal papers in order by consulting with a lawyer but are their other entities that help elderly navigate through the options of care available?

Maybe someone else can recommend some agencies that offer help? I am sorry I am not familiar with these agencies. Someone else might have more info for you, BarryG1. Hang in there!

I don't think you'll find any friends here. I've been on here a couple of years now and haven't made a single one...

Have you done a poa? Written your will? Those would be my first things to do. If you don't have younger family, then see if your lawyer will be your poa. I don't think you can make friends in the hope or expectations they will look after you.