Senior orphans
 

Wouldn’t that apply to at least 90% of TV residents?

Senior orphans? I have never heard this term before as most senior citizens when they become seniors no longer have living parents. Maybe you are thinking of the one in Polk County? Home - Senior Orphans of Polk County Florida which was set up for seniors who have no familial support and are indigent.

Define please so we can respond...

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AARP refers to seniors living alone without family or friend support as "Elder Orphans".
I am not looking for a caregiver but rather would like to join a group of folks who might be interested in networking with each other.

I'm 68 and my parents are deceased--I consider myself a senior orphan ( still miss them)

I do know what you are looking for and the best place to meet Senior Orphans is at Sumter Landing on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. We always go down for a coffee in the morning and Starbucks is packed with "orphans" looking for someone to talk with for a short while before they head home or go out for dinner.

You could try to form a group yourself, but is there a room big enough!

Sad Responses
 

It is really sad when someone with a serious question and actual need must tolerate the foolishness and lack of caring as demonstrated in some of the responses. I doubt that most do not know the writer is referring to being an Orphan and potentially raised in a foster home or of parents that cared enough to adopt her/him as their own. I know of a few who have been "adopted" and the questions it leaves in the child as they grow. It would be a great support group for the adults who grew up never knowing their real parents. I really hope some will put away the temptation to play comedian or be cute and have the depth to understand the writers quest and help him or her.:wave:

I don't know of a group per se....but if you have a belief system you may find others at a church. As we age-out, maybe like you have small families there most likely will be folks who would love companionship or friendships. I know of folks who were married (or not) and never had children or their kids are estranged or some other issue. There are many forms to which you speak of. I do hope you find a group such as you're looking for!!

Go and sit outside Starbucks with a coffee whenever you are in need of company and I could "almost" guarantee you will finally end up meeting people looking for what you are.

You might also consider getting in touch with Chachacha who posts here on this board. I believe she still runs the group and I think it is probably what you need. I know they have holiday parties and pot luck holiday dinners. You will find what you need, but it does take time.

Thank you
 

Thank you Madelaine Amee.

I'm learning a lot about Mr. Rogers. His advice was the advice he got from his mother. She said when things go wrong, look for the "helpers." They are always around. Looks like that's true around here.

Years ago we had progressive dinners where 2-4 couples would go to one house for appetizer, then the next house for main entree, and finally to the next house for dessert. We would use themes such as during the celebration of the centennial, it was my turn, so I served a Colonial dinner.

Another suggestion...form a birthday club for 4-6 women who meet at a restaurant chosen by the birthday lady. Her dinner is paid for by the other ladies present at the dinner.

I think some posters are missing the point of this thread. There are people living in The Villages who may be healthy, wealthy, and very happy, but they are alone and are trying to figure out what will they do when they get sick, and have no one to take them to the doctor or to handle their finances, or help them move to assisted living or to a nursing home. They really don't care about having an occasional meal or someone to talk to for a few hours. It is much more serious than that. How do you plan for the inevitable when you have no family and not very many close friends? This is a huge gap in the elder care system that needs a solution.

Several of our Villages have already set up a Caring Neighbors organization, ours has.

My Village has a group: "Caring Neighbors has launched! We have 17 volunteers who have all been background-checked by the United Way of Lake and Sumter County. We are ready to help our neighbors who need help with things like transportation to doctor appointments and shopping, short-term meals, home visits or a phone buddy, and non-medical respite so that a caregiver can take a break. Please call us at 352-255-3304 if you or someone you know in xxxx could use our services. If you live in xxxxxx and are interested in joining us as a volunteer, contact xxxx."

These groups are already forming in other Villages with the help of the United Way. Unfortunately this information does not get out, or does, but only to the Village in question. I contacted the VHA and was told by them that they do not want to get into this and it should be handled by the Villages themselves. BUT, there should be information available for all residents.

My personal feeling is that if you are indeed an "orphan" you need to have an elder attorney to handle your affairs and to help when needed. There are numerous programs both governmental and private available.

Does anyone know an elder attorney who will actually handle your affairs, including power of attorney and medical decisions? The ones I have met will not do it and have told me that even banks won't do it because of the liability.

I completely understand. I had caring parents, no siblings, so I am alone as well.

I wrote a response to you, but because I included a link, it bounced back saying it was SPAM! Have you considered any of the clubs or groups that have common interests? Sorry if that comes across as obvious. There is a group called the "Women's Do Nothing Group" that I think meets once a month to simply chat and dine. The premise is that these women don't have a hobby that matches with any of the available groups, so this allows them a social outlet. You can join via Facebook. They are having a party July 20. Best of luck!

Orphaned Elders
 

We have a group called the Solo Adventurers who meet every third Wednesday at 4 pm at the Santiago Rec Center located in the Village of Santiago (off Enrique Blvd). There will not be a meeting during July because of low attendance but you are welcome to join our meeting scheduled in August to learn of our activities. We normally bring ideas for travel, movies, shows, lunches/dinners and then make plans from there. Everyone is welcome!

Senior Orphans
 

I have a great friend in Ohio who is an attorney. He had been durable power of attorney for medical and financial numerous times for his Senior Orphan clients. So I do think a blanket statement that an attorney won’t do it might be too broad. Mary Trotter is an excellent Elder Law attorney. She might be one person to talk to. You need someone with deep ties to the community who will be here when the time comes. There is another attorney who I would STRONGLY advise against using,but it is probably no appropriate to name names here.
I can think of three friends who are in your same position. I’m not sure how the best way is to form a group and find each other, but the need is real. I would suggest talking to the people at Recreation News.. They will put an annnnouncemnt in the paper periodically, to see if there is enough responses to form a group. Then they will assign you a free room at a Rec Center for monthly meetings. I think a lot of Senior Orphans are attracted to The Villages. I can think of four myself. If you get the ball rolling you will have a strong network. 😉 Good Luck

Start a club. It's a great idea.

Perhaps some who have responded might benefit from this article: Elder Orphans Have a Harder Time Aging in Place. “Elder Orpans” are aging folks without family, a spouse, or partner to help with life issues. These folks have to depend on friends or paid services for often simple needs, such as care or help during temporary health limitations. Where do they go for the holidays when others are spending time with family? There is no one to share basic life activities with and they have the burden of making every decision alone. Getting more complex, who should the family, spouse, partner less person appoint as there medical power of attorney? etc. think about what your life would be like if you are suddenly alone. Really alone. I wish there was an “Elder Orphan” group is an excellent idea for those in the same boat to lend support to each other and share I formation. I don’t believe there is such a group in The Villages.

I thought the message meant there was no family around for friendship and support. Did not think she was talking about parents.

I may be wrong in the original poster's interpretation of an "orphan", but I thought he was referring to people who are now single, whose parents have passed, no siblings and no family support, i.e. no one to turn to when you may get too old to handle your own affairs.

I have a acquaintance who takes an orphaned lady out for lunch once a month - there is no payment involved, she does it out of respect and friendship, and because she enjoys her company. The orphan has no intention of being in an assisted living home and continues to live by herself at the age of 90+. There must be many people living in TV in these circumstances.

Senior orphans
 

Interesting idea you have. I am in that boat as well. Starting a family of senior orphans group would be excellent. Count me in and I would be glad to help set up a group. Lynn Moore email address is lmodesigns@bellsouth.net Thanks and have a great day

I am alone with out spouse, children or siblings.

Those saying "join an existing club" don't know what it is like to be alone. People in clubs are not going to help you with the worries a family member would. You need help if you are seriously ill, you need a power of attorney, you need a medical POA, etc.

You need to be checked on because its likely you will die and sit for weeks in your house.

I've been hear a year. I have found friendly people but no one who formed a friendship that involved regularly calling me outside of club time - maybe occasionally but not regularly. People are not *that* friendly.

Before replying in this thread: If you have family to help you in life, try to imagine, in detail, what your life would be like with absolutely no family. What does family do for you? What would you do if you had no one to do those things? Do you really think a friend would do *everything* for you that family does? I think there are very few friends like that, and they certainly are not commonly made by older people coming alone to a new area. So the suggestion is that such people support each other. That's what this post is about.

There are a number of singles groups in TV whose purpose is to give single “orphans” the opportunity to connect through various activities. Try Single Baby Boomers, or if you live south of 466A, Single Baby Boomers South. There is golf for singles as well as dance groups and others I don’t know about. SBB has sign up sheets for dinners out, cards, etc. as well as kayaking, golf, and bicycling. Check out the clubs! Best of luck!

Excellent legal resource for seniors: Millhorn Elder Law Planning Group, 11294 US Hwy 301, Oxford, 352.753.9333.

"elder orphans"
 

LOL - that is most of us! Try doing some singles/widows/etc groups. You will find friends who are supportive. Help set up a neighborhood watch were you have a "sign" with a neighbor that you are ok each morning.
For example: Raise a particular blind or current so neighbors are aware you are up and about.
I held a Christmas Orphan party last 2 years for anyone not planning to be with family for Christmas dinner. I made a turkey and ham and everyone else contributed what they felt like bringing. We had over 32 people for a sit down dinner in a small 2 br Villa - Great fun and will be doing it again this year.
Just a thought.

I don't fall into the category, but there are several single clubs. Is it possible they have what you are looking for? If not, you can check with the Rec Dept about finding enough interest to start a group. Also, some of the special interest clubs are good places to connect with people who enjoy similar activities--my husband and I have a small group of other couples we found to share holidays with. Good luck finding a group where you have the support and friendship you're looking for.

I am in the same boat.I would be glad to join a Senior Orphan Group or ck on you whenever you want and you could do the same for me.I am concerned about needing help and not being able to contact anyone.

Community for senior orphans
 

thank you for explaining the elder orphan exactly. it means having no one literally "no one" to have your back. i just returned from trying to join a group. no hello or welcome. just was chastised for not wearing their uniform of black top & silver necklace. mean girls grow up & turn into mean old women.