Tips for Combating the 'Dunkirk Spirit' and 'Blitz Mentality'

[GB72]

Not sure if anyone is having the same issues as I am trying to keep an older relative home and safe. This is just not in the mentality of that generation. I cannot get through to my mum that you cannot just keep going on as normal, not giving in and not letting it grind you down. This is one battle that she cannot win with a plucky attitude and a can-do spirit, she has to hide away from it to a certain extent, to run away and she is finding that hard to accept.

Anyone got any help or tips on trying to keep active older relatives home and safe when it is the last thing that they want to do.

 

[Dando]

Not sure if anyone is having the same issues as I am trying to keep an older relative home and safe. This is just not in the mentality of that generation. I cannot get through to my mum that you cannot just keep going on as normal, not giving in and not letting it grind you down. This is one battle that she cannot win with a plucky attitude and a can-do spirit, she has to hide away from it to a certain extent, to run away and she is finding that hard to accept.

Anyone got any help or tips on trying to keep active older relatives home and safe when it is the last thing that they want to do.

take all their shoes away

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Times like this I am very glad cancer came and took both parents. I would hate to worry about how either would cope. Bad enough having in-laws both with long term health issues that are only ten minutes down the road so easy to check on them but hard to get them to see sense, stay in and keep out of any harms way as they are so use to being as independent as possible

 

[Russ_D]

Apparently there has been a rise in the older generation getting games consoles so they can keep in touch and play with grand children. I think its great, although embarrasing to get beaten by a 85 year old at Fifa

 

[Hobbit]

Ask her if she would go out if there was a German bomber flying over. Then tell her that the virus is the same as a German bomber, only more deadly. Ask her if she's willing to bring the German bomber(virus) into the house so that it can kill you.

Paint the windows black and tell her its night time.

Good luck.

 

[Deleted member 21258]

I had a chat with my mum (who is high risk for more than one reason) and all went okay. But don't think it worked read on

Then yesterday she says off to get my hair cut and play golf this week(probably some other clubs as well, I didn't get to that.)

So I sent her a text, mentioning she may wish to re consider and that she is high risk and a few of the harder facts over the virus. Normally get a reply quickly, but no reply. Wife popped round later to drop some stuff off, she was upset by my text and wife tried to encourage again and said watch the news later as PM is meant to say he bit as well.

Not sure any of it really went in and whether it will change anything. Hope it did as wouldn't like to see her catch it.

However I keep come back to, is that she must make her own decisions and be happy with them, its her life and as such I am happy with that. Provided I feel I have tried my best and mum is happy with hers then I can live with it.

Anyway maybe try the chat, then text option and most important of all, best of luck

 

[GB72]

I am trying to find middle ground at the moment. For example she can play golf but do not want her going in the clubhouse etc. Doing best I can but so difficult.

 

[Neilds]

Got similar problem with MiL, she ticks most of the high risk categories (except pregnant) but still wants to carry on as normal. Also, she is 4 hours away so we can’t keep a close eye on her.

 

[Kellfire]

Time to play hard ball, make sure they know how incredibly selfish they’re being because it isn’t just about them and then hide her pension book.

 

[SocketRocket]

Got similar problem with MiL, she ticks most of the high risk categories (except pregnant) but still wants to carry on as normal. Also, she is 4 hours away so we can’t keep a close eye on her.

I just had the dogs tail docked. I dont want any signs that the MIL is welcome when she visits.

 

[jim8flog]

My question to the OP would be why do you consider her to at risk?

Is it just age or an underlying condition.

My brother is 72 and one the fittest people I know (relative to his age), I cannot see him locking himself away for 3 months.

 

[GB72]

My question to the OP would be why do you consider her to at risk?

Is it just age or an underlying condition.

My brother is 72 and one the fittest people I know (relative to his age), I cannot see him locking himself away for 3 months.

Both, she is 72 and had diabetes and asthma (though both are well medicated and managed)

 

[Rooter]

My grandparents are living in a McCarthy stone gaff, both in their late '80s and both have dementia issues. Let's just say it's a challenging time!!!

 

[Crazyface]

My mum's 80 and very active and healthy, just laughed off our attempts over Sunday lunch to stress how important it was for her to self isolate. Just not happening. She won't be chuffed her dominoes league game has been cancelled tonight. Not to mention all the dancing she does cancelled. She won't be very happy.

 

[Jamesbrown]

My mother is high risk with emphysema but she will still work and she’ll do what she pleases. Fair enough with me.
Can’t understand why? both parents ought to retire now, sell up and move aboard.

 

[JollyRedDevil]

I have the same problem not with my elderly parents but my cocky, know it all 18 YO son. Just does not get social distancing at all and trying to get him not to go out and hang out with his mates

 

[Kellfire]

My question to the OP would be why do you consider her to at risk?

Is it just age or an underlying condition.

My brother is 72 and one the fittest people I know (relative to his age), I cannot see him locking himself away for 3 months.

So he’s selfish then?

IT IS NOT ONLY ABOUT THE PERSON WHO ISOLATES!

Argh. The public are idiots.

 

[2blue]

My question to the OP would be why do you consider her to at risk?

Is it just age or an underlying condition.

My brother is 72 and one the fittest people I know (relative to his age), I cannot see him locking himself away for 3 months.

The thing is..."It's not all about You". If you continue to just 'swan about' irregardless then you'll get it & spread it...... exactly NOT what's wanted. For god's sake please explain to him its not an insult to his fitness as a 72 year old...... his defiance is in fact his weakness!!

 

[drdel]

So he’s selfish then?

IT IS NOT ONLY ABOUT THE PERSON WHO ISOLATES!

Argh. The public are idiots.

And when the virus carries on, the same people will blame the Goverment, Boris and medics.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

It is all about social conscious.
How would a selfish elderly person feel if their actions resulted in the death of a close friend.
Might be worth asking.

As for the Blitz spirit it may well be worth mentioning that crime increased substantially from 1939 to 1945.