Aging Alone—Finding Strength and Connection

Hi there! Such a great thing to bring up this topic. I'm a caregiver for my mom, and I have useful advice from our experience. I used to work from home, so my mom always had company. But, recently, I had to take a job that requires me to be away for 8 hours a day. Her neighbours are wonderful and check in on her, but they can't be there all the time. I noticed how bored and lonely she was getting.
She'd watch TV for entertainment, but sometimes she would accidentally press the wrong button and have to wait for me to get home to fix it. She can't read because her vision is bad. I had no idea what to do.

I was determined to find a solution and found a device, the JubileeTV box. It changed our lives for the better in many aspects. She can now video call me or my sister any time she wants with just one click of a button. We can send her pictures and videos of her grandkids that she can watch on the big TV, which is great since her a vision problem.
It's also useful that we are all connected to the app, so when there is an emergency or she has a problem with navigating the TV, we can do it for her from our phones.
I'm glad I could help her, since I felt so guilty leaving the home every day and seeing the sadness on her face. It's such a relief to see her doing better and not feeling lonely

I understand completely. I am alone and do not seem to make friends though I am not difficult, but too well read for many and not interested in gossip or the usual chatterings. No patience for fools, I suppose, I like sardonic, smart humour and words, walks and brain power. But I also look a bit strange due to surgery years ago that left my face slightly unpleasant and just a bit offbalance. People can't get past an aberration, and either embrace it or repel it.

Hi there! Such a great thing to bring up this topic. I'm a caregiver for my mom, and I have useful advice from our experience. I used to work from home, so my mom always had company. But, recently, I had to take a job that requires me to be away for 8 hours a day. Her neighbours are wonderful and check in on her, but they can't be there all the time. I noticed how bored and lonely she was getting.
She'd watch TV for entertainment, but sometimes she would accidentally press the wrong button and have to wait for me to get home to fix it. She can't read because her vision is bad. I had no idea what to do.

I was determined to find a solution and found a device, the JubileeTV box. It changed our lives for the better in many aspects. She can now video call me or my sister any time she wants with just one click of a button. We can send her pictures and videos of her grandkids that she can watch on the big TV, which is great since her a vision problem.
It's also useful that we are all connected to the app, so when there is an emergency or she has a problem with navigating the TV, we can do it for her from our phones.
I'm glad I could help her, since I felt so guilty leaving the home every day and seeing the sadness on her face. It's such a relief to see her doing better and not feeling lonely

Hi,
That is so great that you found this answer for your Mom! It's great what technology can do! I understand your dilemma. I had the same situation with my Mom but it was long before the Internet or any of the technology that we have today. I had to work outside the home and leave Mom during the day. Luckily, she did manage OK with the TV plus she loved to read and crochet. Between that and our two cats, Mom got along pretty good while I was at work. But I could tell she was really glad when I came home. She was lonely even with the cats.

I think that's great that you are taking care of your Mom! Enjoy all the time you have with her. Too soon it is gone. I still miss my Mom but I know she's up in Heaven and out of pain. We'll be together again eventually.

I wish you the best and will say a prayer for you and your Mom.
PML

It is really nice to see a child who is lovingly taking care of and concerned about their mom. It is really wonderful and you are setting a beautiful example for your children, her grandchildren. In the future you will have children who in turn care about you in your old age.

Bless you always.

A few weeks ago I read something that gave me a comforting moment of self awareness.
The article described a type of person who is comfortable in one-on-one meetings with other people, but is uncomfortable in group meetings.
This sounds like me. I've had several friends for decades and currently have 7 neighbors (out of a neighborhood of about 40 people) for whom I feel a warm respect and with whom I enjoy one-on-one walks and conversations, often deep and meaningful. I've always had friends like this.
But although I tried many times to "bond" with a group, sometimes taking leadership positions, ultimately I came to feel I could not stay with the group and honestly be myself.
Discovering the concept that this is just who I am and it is not a "character defect" has been very comfortable.
(I don't remember where I read the article, or the term used to describe this kind of person. Perhaps someone recognizes it and can link the article.)

A few weeks ago I read something that gave me a comforting moment of self awareness.
The article described a type of person who is comfortable in one-on-one meetings with other people, but is uncomfortable in group meetings.
This sounds like me. I've had several friends for decades and currently have 7 neighbors (out of a neighborhood of about 40 people) for whom I feel a warm respect and with whom I enjoy one-on-one walks and conversations, often deep and meaningful. I've always had friends like this.
But although I tried many times to "bond" with a group, sometimes taking leadership positions, ultimately I came to feel I could not stay with the group and honestly be myself.
Discovering the concept that this is just who I am and it is not a "character defect" has been very comfortable.
(I don't remember where I read the article, or the term used to describe this kind of person. Perhaps someone recognizes it and can link the article.)