Using local Facebook and WhatsApp groups each elderly /vulnerable person living alone with no support could be paired with a family or another person in their community who would take responsibility for their shopping together with a daily telephone catch up (could the phone companies fund this?).
Or maybe for those with mobile phones an App pairing people would work. Almost like Tinder crossing the ages (but without the sex!)
This is a difficult demographic to organise into groups as they are not all confident nor have the access to the technology needed. It should be noted that because they are elderly/ vulnerable they are not necessarily infirm nor senile. Like should support like – therefore a family with a dog could benefit an elderly person who enjoys a park walk or just likes animals.
The mental health benefits would be enormous for all participants – the supporter and the supported. We need to return to the idea that we care for and about people in our communities.
Technology to match people up holds the answer I am sure. I would like to call the app Zimmer! You heard it here first.
422-11