Neighbor suddenly disabled

[Anonymous]

Older gentlemen, we talk a lot when I walk my dog. I hadn't seen him for a bit and there he was in a wheel chair and lost a lot of weight. He just got home from nursing care and has a nurse caring for him.

He has family nearby so I assume they are helping too.

Is there something nice I can do? I'm not sure what happened. Maybe a stroke or heart attack. So I don't know if food is appropriate.

He loves reading but he mentioned not being able to read. One of his arms was immobilized. Any ideas?

[Anonymous]

Can you bring his trash cans to and from the curb each week or a similar task? Or if you are going to the store ask if you can pick anything up for him?

[Anonymous]

I would bring him some food. Maybe some muffins. Try and spend some time and chat with him. You might be able to find out what is frustrating him about his change in mobility. If he can't read now but loves to, maybe you could help him learn how to use audio books. An actual cd player and audio books on cd might be easier for him to learn and control (it was for my mom) Books on CD are still available at many libraries but can also be found really cheap at resale stores and online. My mom loves sitting outside and listening to a book while she people watches. She said it makes her feel more connected to the neighborhood and alive than simply watching tv.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would bring him some food. Maybe some muffins. Try and spend some time and chat with him. You might be able to find out what is frustrating him about his change in mobility. If he can't read now but loves to, maybe you could help him learn how to use audio books. An actual cd player and audio books on cd might be easier for him to learn and control (it was for my mom) Books on CD are still available at many libraries but can also be found really cheap at resale stores and online. My mom loves sitting outside and listening to a book while she people watches. She said it makes her feel more connected to the neighborhood and alive than simply watching tv.

Second all of this. Hope he makes a full recovery, OP. My elderly mom does better with books on cd than audio books.

[Anonymous]

If he can't read and arm immobile sounds like a stroke.
He might like audiobooks. Ask his caregiver or family.

[Anonymous]

Agree about bringing in the trash cans.

Bring food. Some prepared fruits, and bite-size pieces, some chocolate chip cookies
Ask him what he likes to eat

Also ask about Books, audio stuff from library

You are a very kind person

[Anonymous]

Just visit him and spend time with him. He probably doesn't need food or other kids of help suggested.

[Anonymous]

Maybe you two can sit on the porch and sip lemonade and talk about life, about 30 mins or so each visit. Doesn't need to be extended but just the simple care and effort of it all I'm sure he will appreciate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can you bring his trash cans to and from the curb each week or a similar task? Or if you are going to the store ask if you can pick anything up for him?

I'd do this. Pick something that you can do consistently long term that is no big deal for you but will be a relief to him.

[Anonymous]

You're describing my FIL to a T. In our case, he is dying from Liver cancer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Older gentlemen, we talk a lot when I walk my dog. I hadn't seen him for a bit and there he was in a wheel chair and lost a lot of weight. He just got home from nursing care and has a nurse caring for him.

He has family nearby so I assume they are helping too.

Is there something nice I can do? I'm not sure what happened. Maybe a stroke or heart attack. So I don't know if food is appropriate.

He loves reading but he mentioned not being able to read. One of his arms was immobilized. Any ideas?

How old are your children? He might love a visit from children and it's good for children to get to know older people. I used to take my children to a Senior Citizens home and to a Hospice to visit. It was a benefit to all concerned.

[Anonymous]

Be lovely to find out what reading he misses most, and try to find some opportunities to read to him if he would like. You might have to limit it--or you might develop an amazing connection over whatever it is. And hopefully it will not be something you absolutely cannot abide reading to him.