Forum Topic

disadvantaged elderly

My friend, 82, has recently had a pacemaker replacement.  She was told to arrange with her doctor after a week for a follow-up check up.  Dr said they don't do it.  Told her to send a photo by email to be checked.  She has no computer.  No family and is in lockdown.  Suggestions anyone?

Barbara Shillabeer ● 2099d13 Comments

I hadn't thought of the added problem of timing out.With my parents in law we gave them a mobile phone and showed them how to use it but we weren't living with them and couldn't give the constant advice on using it that we might otherwise have been able to.  We programmed it with the numbers that were important for them.  We knew that they could phone for a taxi with it to bring them back from shopping but no, they preferred to make face to face arrangements either with the taxi driver or with the help of the hospital when they visited there.  There was concern on the whole £10 voucher we had left just in case it needed more money being put on it (It was Pay As You Go to avoid a long contract).  It never did...We were more successful progamming the landline which become invaluable as sight got worse and operations did not help.We have a friend whose eye operation was not successful and who is now struggling with the newspapers she can no longer read, the PC she hasn't opened for over a year, and who apart from the landline only has an old Nokia mobile.  The doctor and the hospital want a photo of a mole.  She can't of course comply with their request.  They are going to have to do something else as there are a lot of people with no, some or differing amounts of skill in different technologies. Facetime and WhatsApp on a mobile are really useful for taking pictures and showing other people what problems/challenges you have whether it is a medical one - or you can't read the label on a package - you can enlarge the print. A mobile is also very useful for when you take something apart when you want to repair it as you can take pictures before of where all the bits go to help you put things back together again.  You can also be talked through what you need to do when things go wrong with your computer or your TV by a trusted person eg family member in another part of the country because you can show them exactly what you are seeing on your computer or TV instead of having to try and explain.  Just don't get talked into buying something that no-one else can work!Somebody recently told me about a company where you can have a much shorter contract but since it isn't something I need right now - I can't remember.  So contracts can be more flexible than they once were.My friend eventually had an appointment made for her to attend in person.

Philippa Bond ● 2096d

Ebay. People change their phones so often for the latest model so there's always loads of 2nd hand ones for sale. You could get, for example, an Iphone 5 for less than this. Don't use it for banking as the security is no longer updated.Or just buy a new phone. Carphone Warehouse has for example an Alcatel Smartphone for £35. Get a pay as you go, and only use it on wifi - don't pay for data.You have to be really, really poor not to be able to afford a smartphone these days. It is the contract which costs the money - you don't need one. Even if you don't have your own broadband, there are plenty of places with a free signal.I don't understand Barbara's friend's specific problem either, but I think what it does come down to is that you get to an age or a stage when you just need help with something and the only solution is that someone provide you with that help.

Michael Winstanley ● 2098d

As usual I didn't explain too well.  It wasn't the pacemaker that had to be checked.  It was the wound following the procedure.  ie if it had/was healing satisfactorily.  One would assume if the actual pacemaker was faulty the recipient would be feeling the effects.When computers were first on the scene it was not envisaged for many years that they would be anything other than brilliant 'office' tools.  There was no necessity to actually own one. There was little opportunity or indeed inclination for older people to be educated in their use. I'm not including here those who were in work and who were subsequently taught as an extension of their employment.Yes.  I can use a computer and am familiar enough that I can certainly cope with most aspects.  I do much that she needs for her. However.  There is no way I can 'teach' her to use one.  Michael Ixer certainly fully understands what I am saying.  This is apart from failing eyesight, fumbling stiff fingers and general slowness.  I do my finances on my pc  Owing to my slowness there are certain things I am now unable to do.  As a security measure I'm timed out.  I'm really surprised at the lack of understanding from some on this forum

Barbara Shillabeer ● 2098d

My suggestion would be to contact the hospital and explain what the GP has said. Perhaps the hospital can arrange transport to take your friend there to have the pacemaker checked?

Lucille Grant ● 2098d

"Well you clearly have online access, why don't you help her. If she doesn't live near you, you could get her a 2nd hand internet enabled mobile phone with camera delivered for less than £50."If only it was that easy!  There's the dexterity and sensitivity of the fingers as mentioned but there's also trying to explain to someone who has never used a mobile phone before.  Nightmare.  Been there tried that.

Philippa Bond ● 2098d

Precisely, Michael W. I was looking at the more general case. Some people do not WANT these devices because they don't feel able to cope with such devices, or given all the reports about scams do not feel safe going on line. Some have difficulties using devices. We bought my late mother an iPad when she was in her 80s. She was quite receptive to it and a couple of years earlier had attended a course to use PCs at her local library; unfortunately her arthritic fingers meant she could easily touch the correct part of the screen or adjust to the pressure sensitivity of the screen - which once led to an interesting "debugging" phone conversation when we got the different menu on the screen because my "touch" was her "long press" as she got to the correct screen position! (Which took me back to my old programming philosophy of don't disbelieve what the user is telling you even if it sounds nonsensical, it's just that they don't do it and see it the same way ...) Anyway, the NHS is is public service that should cope with this in the same way the education service has to recognise some families can't afford technology for online learning. Let's hope Covid doesn't widen the digital device ...

Michael Ixer ● 2098d

Of no bloody use at all considering the pacemaker is implanted under the skin.

Sue Hammond ● 2098d

The same thing ocurred to me. What good would a photo do if one's pacemaker needs checking?

Caroline Whitehead ● 2099d

Michael, I have a laptop and a very basic Vodafone own brand phone, but not a smart phone with camera. Do you know where I could get a 2nd hand one with camera which you mentioned in reply to Barbara? I know I need to upgrade, but I don't plan spending my life on the phone and paying mega bucks each month for the privilege. Thanks.Don't understand why Barbara's friend's GP wants a photo if her pacemaker needs checking. I wonder which surgery her friend is with.

Elizabeth Balsom ● 2099d

Many older people do not want to go to the doctors, catch a bus, go out of the house, take a pill etc.It's not so much about what they WANT to do as getting them the healthcare they  need. For example, I do not WANT to be jabbed with a needle, but I put up with it.In this example, the patient just needs helping by someone who DOES have such a device - surely someone will do it? The bigger problem is for such people who do not have any internet-enabled friends.

Michael Winstanley ● 2099d

I agree, however this problem has to be solved.  Take photographs and send to the doc.  I find it quite extraordinary that the doc won't come round for a visit in these circumstances, most would.

Bunny Payne ● 2099d

I think there's a more general point here. Many older people do not have smartphones or internet access, and do not want them. So it seems unreasonable to disadvantage them in access to health or other services. (Ok, I know many do use the internet and smartphones but not all.) 

Michael Ixer ● 2099d

Well you clearly have online access, why don't you help her. If she doesn't live near you, you could get her a 2nd hand internet enabled mobile phone with camera delivered for less than £50.

Michael Winstanley ● 2099d