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When my dad was living alone and lonely we did talk daily. It was fine to me. He was understanding if I had to go attend to something else. There wasn’t any service like you describe in the area. Nice that you have this and dad likes it. One of the saddest things is to be lonely and have no one to talk with
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Reply to Daughterof1930
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I read about such types of services. Thanks for letting us know it is worthwhile for your Dad.
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Reply to Geaton777
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This is great! Where do you find something like this? Even though I’m here with them 24/7 right now, I can’t imagine how much they’d love to make an outside connection/friend to chat with! Thanks for sharing.
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Reply to Debsturr
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Wow, I never heard of such a thing.
How do you pay? Is this something you pay by the hour? By the minute?
Have you vetted these folks to be certain you aren't dealing with scammers and hackers?
Honestly I am not AGAINST this at all, but just have not ever heard of it.

No, I never talked to my parents daily. In fact I grew up in a family of letter writers and in latter years, with only my brother and I left, when not in the same town as one another we always wrote long long letters. We would talk I would say once a week or so.

I would guess, cannot quite remember, I talked to my folks more often when they were in their 90s, more or less checking in to make sure all was well, they sounded good. They remained fairly strong and active into aging. With their own lives and interests.

Interesting post, this.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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Wow. This sounds like something I'd like to try. What's the name of the service? Thanks for sharing.
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Reply to ima7777
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AARP had a service - volunteers who would call to chat and check on elders. I don't know if they still have it.
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Reply to Fawnby
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This isn’t one of “those” 1-900 numbers is it?
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Reply to ZippyZee
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What region does your dad’s chat service exist?

I am currently looking into a Zoom, chat service or online service for support. Since I am alone in CA without local relatives, peer support for my health condition is preferred. I live with pre-diabetes, manage well at home but like to eat out often when meeting up.
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Reply to Patathome01
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Anxietynacy Nov 13, 2024
I think this is an awesome idea, I would also like to know more about it, just because!

I call my mom daily, except if I know someone else is there, but I feel like she would just enjoy talking to someone else.
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What do strangers have to chat about, I guess I don't get it?
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Reply to lealonnie1
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Anxietynacy Nov 13, 2024
Lea with strangers there is no baggage for one , and also they can listen to the stories we have heard many many times.

When I did caregiveing I would sometimes be sent to fill in someones home, we would have a ball , just chatting. Took care of one guy that was a sharp shooter during, the Battle of Normandy. Another lady her husband died, that morning and he was her caregiver, she was dieing also. I sat in such an unemotional way, looked at pitchers with her and she told me all about him, I'm pretty sure I made her feel a little better, until her kids got there.

I honestly really enjoy there stories, and you can learn so much. I could totally see myself, on a hot line of sorts , to just make a persons life a little better.

And I honestly know my mom would enjoy talking to someone else, about things I'm tired of talking about.
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My mom loved getting a daily email from me for decades. Her last 3 years she switched to voice texting when her vision struggled.
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Reply to OncehatedDIL
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ebonylady2024: I lost my dad when he was just 50. I spoke to my mother multiple times per day until I had to move in with her from out of state to provide care. She lived to 94. Not a tech service.
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Reply to Llamalover47
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I wish my in-laws would have enjoyed/allowed daily telephone visits, but sadly they are gone and it never became part of their lifestyle. Glad that services of this kind exist now .
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Reply to Taarna
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My county has a bureau for older citizens (or something like that) And when I contacted them for resources for my parents, they told me about a local volunteer group that will call once per day or visit once per week, and they will also provide rides, help with grocery shopping, and I can’t remember what else. My parents rejected it all.

You could try church groups, the library, the local community college, etc.
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Reply to Suzy23
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There is a Senior Center near me that has Seniors that volunteer to make calls to others. No charge for the calls.
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Reply to Grandma1954
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Geaton777 Nov 13, 2024
Our church has a Care Ministry where a specific team of volunteers calls and/or visits people who are "shut ins". We have a schedule so that they are visited regularly.
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I know there are some people who volunteer to visit lonely seniors at Xmas. Surely there is more need than visits at festive season.
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TouchMatters Nov 14, 2024
There are volunteer organizations specializing in visiting elders - all round round, not just for year-end holidays. A person needs to do their research.
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If you’re looking for ways to keep your elderly loved ones connected, there are many services available that provide daily check in calls or friendly chats. They can range from simple social calls to wellness check ins where someone checks on health and well being. Here’s how to find these services:

1. Search online. Try looking up “daily check in services for seniors” or “companionship calls for seniors” for a list of national and local providers.
2. Area Agencies on Aging. Many local agencies provide check in services or connect you with volunteer programs. They can recommend trusted services in your area.
3. Health Insurance Providers. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer check in services as a benefit. Check with your provider to see if this is available.

Recommended Services:
1. Papa—phone: (800) 348-7951. Papa connects seniors with “Papa Pals” who can provide companionship, help with errands, transportation and more. Some Medicare Advantage plans cover Papa’s services, so check if your plan offers this benefit.
2. Carelinx—phone: (855) 227-3640. Carelinx matches families with caregivers for companionship and more hands on assistance. They work directly with some Medicare Advantage plans and serve many areas across the U.S.

For free or low cost options, check with local senior centers or Area Agencies on Aging, which often have volunteer based call programs.

These services can make a big difference in the lives of seniors who want more daily interaction and support.
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Reply to HaveYourBack
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I am not clear on what you are asking us.
Are you speaking to your elderly parent everyday?
- Do you want to?
- Do you not want to?
- Are you feeling self pressured / guilty for something?

If you hired a service to call and chat and he loves it, what is your concern?
From what you share, he is enjoying the chats / socializing so I do not understand what your question is or how we can support you/r dad. He seems to be doing well.

Gena / Touch Matters
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Reply to TouchMatters
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