[samhass]

This is a bad subject, but due to our ages, some of us are bound to become ill. I wish there was a way we could all help TOTV friends that are suffering from debilitating illnesses. What if you were alone here in TV and had no relatives. If you don't know your immediate neighbors, who could/would you call. Old people are proud. They might not want everyone to know of their problems. Maybe they could contact admin or a point person. That person could shout out to all TOTV and say " We need help in "Bonnybrook" today. A member needs
__________________. Can anyone help? No names would be given out except to the volunteer. There are other ways this could be done. Any interest?
I'm talking about people with serious illnesses that are unable to do for themselves. Ideas??

[islandgal]

I have no illnesses yet, but because I live on a short street with mostly snowbirds and live alone, I would have no one to call.

Thank you for the reassurance. I would love to be a volunteer for running errands, grocery shopping, driving to doctor, etc.

[zcaveman]

That is a very good question. My next door neighbor who lives alone was taken to the hospital one evening. I noticed his paper in the driveway the next day but did not really get concerned - although I should have. He called me from the hospital to do him a favor and get him some clothes. I have his key for when he goes on trips.

From then on, I made myself his care taker - visiting him at the hospital, driving him home, checking on him every day, driving him to the doctors, doing grocery and medicine shopping for him until he got better. I am not sure if anyone else in the neighborhood would have done it but I consider him a friend and knew that he needed help.

Now I check to see if his paper is gone by 9 AM or I call.

If you know anyone that lives alone and you know their habits, you can check and make sure that they are doing the things that they usually do and if they are not doing them, knock on their door and make sure they are okay.

[samhass]

I'm thinking something as simple as a home cooked meal and a few moments of someone's time may make a huge difference to someone.
Z...somehow I figured you'd be that kind of person.

[Rokinronda]

When my neighbor broke her back, another neighbor came by to tell me. I was more than happy to send a couple of meals over and she knows she can call me anytime for anything. She is now well. I did the same for the man across the street when he mentioned his wife was in the hospital. We all have each others phone #s and I have encouraged them to call me anytime. When we moved in all the neighbors came over and welcomed us to the neighborhood. We were invited to Thanksgiving dinner,etc... I would definitely help anyone in need, Sam. A buddy system would be a good idea, if the person needing help is unknown. You can surely count me in!!! Lets have a "TOTV volunteers for the sick and lonely" club forum!

[ConeyIsBabe]

What a swell idea! :bigthumbsup:

Please let me know if there is any way I can be of assistance, even though I'm 3,000 miles away.

[nONIE]

What a wonderful Idea! You are all so special, Ill be happy to help even tho Im a snowbird.

Please count me in! ;D

[Barefoot]

Sam, great idea. You are so thoughtful. :bigthumbsup:

My next door neighbour in his 80s was ill last fall. I was able to help out in a very small way by picking up groceries, running a few errands, walking his dog, etc. But we don't always know about people in need. This is a great way of allowing people to ask for a little help when they need it.

I would definitely like to volunteer my services October through April every year.

[Peggy D]

Sam how very thoughtful of you, and a very good idea.

The world needs more angels like you.

[dianerk]

If something happens to me, I'm calling samhass and Mr. samhass for sure!!!!! They have both helped me in the past.

[samhass]

Peggy, I'm probably more like a little devil but your words are very kind. Thank you.
Someone needs to be a contact person. As I said, the person needing care need not be identified except to the person that answers the call. As this is a public forum, some safeguards would have to be put in place. The idea may not be easy to implement, but I think it has merit. Those of you that are not posting should start. Let us know you. It will be easier to go to the aid of a more frequent poster with whom we have a bond. For those people that do not mind saying " I have (cancer or heart disease or____ ) and am unable to get my meds from ------------, can anyone help?, please shout out here. Maybe we should start a new thread. What can we name it?

[renielarson]

How about Helping Hands for the thread? I'm a snowflake but would be glad to help out when I'm there.

[samhass]

LOL..jbsmom...we don't help you...you are a treasure to us!
Bright, that sounds perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Maybe we can get several and take a vote. Yours will be tough to beat as it says it all in two words.

[jojo]

Count me in. This is what makes TV a great place to live. My mother lives with me and until my husband gets down here when I travel for business she will be alone. Fortunately she is in good health but I do worry about leaving her alone.

[ejp52]

I'll be more than willing to help sam. :bigthumbsup:
Great idea.
For the grace of God anyone of us could be alone or need a friend.