Care of the elderly/vulnerable

[nathan]

It may be of concern to some, but a very elderly resident of the second floor of Crescent House (the Baltic Street end of the block), called Valerie, a pleasant old lady who uses a zimmer frame, was taken to hospital today at about 2pm. She spent five days alone lying on the floor with no heating after a fall. The ambulance driver said she will survive. I hardly recognised her due to emaciation and bruising to her face and had to ask the police to make sure it was her, the police constable said the flat was very cold, I didn't ask if she had hypothermia, but I would not be surprised, but saying that I didn't notice if she was wrapped in an emergency foil blanket.

[Maria Elizabeth Prior]

Sadly, I have to tell people that Valerie has now passed away.  I had known her for many years, and am very upset to hear this news.  I thought it best to post this so people would be informed.  Val, you will be dearly missed!  X

[Maria Elizabeth Prior]

You are right Christine.  Read my post relating to my experience with a couple of elderly neighbours, and you will see what I mean. 
 
Christine Clifford said:

Thank you for letting us know. Very sad to end your days in such a way.

[Jade Young]

We are deeply saddened by the news of our lovely neighbour Valerie.  We are so sorry to hear of her passing and the unfortunate circumstances.  We moved out of GLE just over a year ago, but keep in contact with life at Golden Lane via this network and the wonderful friends we made there.  Thinking of her and all of the wonderful older residents.

Jade, Noel & Mae (now 3/12) ex-229 CH.  xxx

[nathan]

Just a line to Jade Young, and anyone else who knew Valerie,  perhaps you can help, I have spoke to her GP practice  Dr Loh and she said they are having difficulty finding any next of kin, I googled Valerie's name and discovered she was a quaker and involved with charity work for the society of friends (quakers), I have rang a few of there numbers and gave her details to one, so if you have any information that may help to track down  any friends or realatives if you wish to assist you could ring the Neaman practice on 020 7600 9740, or the quakers on 020 7663 1000, and if you are feeling optimistic you could try the COL.

     I didn't  know Valerie that well and I only ever spoke to her a few times, but she came across as a warm person, a good egg, a decent stick or salt of the earth type, and sadly a  dying breed, and just find it sad to hear the circumstances of her demise, and think maybe she deserved a dignafied  send of if at all possible, and if she was religious maybe she would have or would appreciate it.

[BARBICAN POLICE TEAM]

A friend of the Ms Porter has already been in contact with the Estate Office and Police and the information has been passed on to Dr Loh and staff at the Neaman Practice.

[Miss Julie]

This is a subject very close to my heart with an elderly and frail mother 100 miles away. I would be willing to volunteer. I don't have a lot of time but could spare a couple of hours a week to pop in and see someone or do some shopping or jobs.

[BARBICAN POLICE TEAM]

Several residents and friends of Valerie who would like to attend a service have been in contact with us and this will be arranged by the hospital although nothing has been planned yet.

I have contact details of the person handling matters who will advise me when more information is available.

[Maria Elizabeth Prior]

Thank you for your post BPT.  I have asked for details in the Estate Office, but they don't have any information.  I would be very grateful for more information when you receive it, as I had known Val for many years, and she was so lovely.  Many of us here thought of her as a friend, and are devastated over what happened.  May I also ask, considering she was a COL tenant for many years, what gesture they will also make?  Many thanks.

[BARBICAN POLICE TEAM]

I have been advised by the hospital that the funeral service for Elizabeth (Valerie) Porter details are as follows:

 

Wednesday 29th January 2014

0930 hours

East London Crematorium, Grange Road, London, E13 0HB

[Miss Julie]

Picking up on the community support for elderly residents, has anyone heard of or participated in the Casserole Club which encourages younger people to make an extra portion of food and have a meal with an elderly person who might like some company and a home-cooked meal. It might be a nice thing to try: http://www.casseroleclub.com