Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with oldfolks

Making sure my dad has a working phone

goofyfoot — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:46:53 -0800

Short version: do I just buy a phone and press it on my increasingly reclusive, phoneless, living-alone but working, 71-year-old father? Longer: Pop has no way of calling anyone from his apartment should he need to do so. This is in keeping with his evermore hermetic inclinations: he gave up his computer, then his business cell phone (this doesn't seem to be a problem with his current employer), then his landline. He won't even check e-mail now. I think he should have a phone, given his age and the fact that he lives alone; my brother seems to think no one has a right to force him to communicate.

Has anyone been in this position? I want to give Pop an easy-to-use cell phone and take care of the bills for it. I'd have to thrust it into his hands ( or gently introduce it to him) at my brother's on Christmas Eve, which is when I'll next see him; but it's possible this will lead to an argument or a chilling or relations between brother, me, Pop, and my brother's wife, who thinks as I do.

Cell phone for elderly man

goofyfoot — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 01:25:03 -0800

My father needs a cell phone. It has to be simple to use, inexpensive, and the bills must come to me. I know this question was asked and answered early last year, but I can't find it.

housing old folks

goofyfoot — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 18:46:47 -0800

My question has to do with MediCal (which terminology doesn't show up as other than "medical" when I search tags.) So. My mother is applying for MediCal for her 90-year-old mother. The problem seems to be that until MediCal comes through, my mother will have to pay for a nursing home. Which luckily enough she can do, but: will she actually be reimbursed by MediCal? And how long will that take? I'd appreciate hearing others' experience in this really murky area.