Overview
On March 28th, 8:10 PM, we got a call on our Elder Helpline from an 83-year-old man who lives all alone in Vaishali, Ghaziabad. He sounded very helpless and asked us if we could help him get his vital medicines as he couldn’t go out because of the COVID.
The old gentleman kept on repeating how he is forgetful now and doesn’t know the names of his medicines. All he had was his prescription, but unfortunately, he couldn’t read anymore.
He mentioned he was abandoned by his children a long ago. He was clearly worried about being unable to get his medicines and was indeed in a panicked state. We ensured to keep him company on the phone. Meanwhile, our Emoha Team was able to identify a volunteer by 8:20 PM, who could help get his medicines.
While we kept him company, he shared bits and pieces of his life story. Born in the US, he came to India as a little boy. He shares how his family hosted Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose when he was a child. He proudly told us that he has a photo of Netaji holding him in his arms.
What’s more beautiful, is how he kept on repeating that he wants to be independent, even though he is 83. He told us how he ran a business that shut down, and he is coping and trying to make things work despite having no family around.
Our Emergency Responder Team (ERT) ensured that by 8:44 PM, our volunteer Nishant was on his way to meet the elder. And by 9:42 PM, he had his medicines delivered. He made one tiny request, in the end, he asked us if we could just keep calling once in a while just to keep him company.
We feel blessed that someone so special reached out to us for help. And we could support him in these times with the help of our great volunteers. Our volunteer program at Emoha is working to support elders who need help, and we hear such heartwarming stories about so many elders who are dealing with it all by themselves.
Here’s a request, if you are in Delhi NCR, please sign up and be a Volunteer to help elders who are vulnerable in such times. www.emoha.com/volunteer. While we are privileged to be healthy and safe, let’s ensure to help our elders.
*Faces are concealed to protect the privacy of the elder and the volunteer
What families can learn from this story
The man in this story lived alone, could not read the labels on his medicines and could not go out. Many older people are in the same position, in a pandemic or not.
What to do next
1. Make a large-print medicine list: names, what each is for, dose and time; see setting up a weekly medicine box. 2. Keep a copy of the prescription where helpers can find it. 3. Ask the pharmacy about home delivery and monthly refills. 4. Arrange a daily call and a neighbour who can step in. 5. Fit an alert device or keep a phone with large buttons; see home safety for seniors living alone and amplified phones. 6. Check eyesight and hearing so that labels and calls can be understood. 7. Save helpline numbers by the phone, including 112 and the local senior helpline.
Check on neighbours
If you know an older person living alone, call, ask what they need and offer a regular check; see volunteers, neighbours and community help and loneliness and isolation in older adults.
When to ask a professional
Forgetfulness with medicines should be checked by a doctor. A care advisor can set up medicine support and daily check-ins.
Equipment mentioned in this guide
Frequently asked questions
How can an older person get medicines delivered?
Ask the local pharmacy or an online pharmacy, using a valid prescription, and keep a refill reminder.
What if my parent cannot read medicine labels?
Make a large-print list, use a pill organiser and check vision.
Who can help if a parent lives alone?
Family, neighbours, volunteers, helplines and paid care services.
How can I check on a parent from far away?
With scheduled calls, a local helper and an alert device.
Sources and further reading
- Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, India, Elderly Line (14567) information
- HelpAge India, resources for older people living alone
- World Health Organization, Ageing and health fact sheet
Tags: Covid-19 #Old Age #Senior Talksliving alonemedicine accesselder helplinevolunteeringDaily living aidsWeekly pill organiser with alarmEmergency pendantSafety and alert devicesHearing and vision aids
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Speak to your doctor before changing your exercise, diet or medicines.
