For the last few months I have been looked after by a firm
of helpful people who visit the sick etc. One very nice lady was selected to visit me, a bit like
visiting the sick, only I wasn’t sick, I was very much alive and kicking.
Seriously, it started with boredom on my part, not having
anyone to talk to except Charlie the cat. Neighbours where I live are very much
into solitude which is no good if a neighbour wants or needs to have a natter. When I was
told about the company I though what a brilliant idea it was to have my own
visitor who was willing to chat.
I was surprised when I applied for consideration that I was
immediately put on the firms books and a lady found to visit me a couple of
times a week. How lovely, I thought, and how super was the lady chosen for
companionship.
What I didn’t know was that it didn’t come free but I went
with it anyway.
The lady allocated to visit me a couple of times a week was
lovely and we hit it off straight away. Now and again she would help with a
chore but mostly we sat and talked. That was fine by me, and welcome. It meant
that twice a week I felt like a normal person.
So, what went wrong? Well, nothing went wrong, but the cost
of it all was more than I anticipated. I should have known … you don’t
get something for nothing these days.
I rang the office today and told them I wanted to cancel the
visits. I meant forthwith but that wasn’t to be. I was told that I needed to
keep going for a further two weeks. I was taken aback… pleased that I would see
my visitor for two more weeks, but horrified at the way the company worked.
I will not be singing their praises in the future and that’s
definite.
" I was told that I needed to keep going for a further two weeks. I was taken aback…"
ReplyDeleteValerie, do you remember signing any kind of contract form when you first signed up? Because that sounds like something that was in (the fine print) of the contract, that required the use of their service for a certain amount of time.
Other way, that's annoying.
Try looking for a group/company that offers volunteers that come for visits. We have them here in Philadelphia. In fact, I used to be one of their volunteers for about 4 years. The clients don't pay for anything.
Have a great rest of your week, my friend. I can't believe it's already Thursday!
Yes, I did sign something, Ron, but I didn't get the opportunity to study the paperwork. I bet that was deliberate! I will take my time and hunt around for something more suitable.
DeleteI'm glad you'll be leaving that company. It sounds like the company is only in it to make a profit, not to provide a much needed service. I'm so glad that you have the two girls next door that are so nice to visit you on a regular and needed basis. Would you consider visiting next door with your senior neighbors who live on the other side of your home or inviting them over to your house for a chat?
ReplyDeleteI have looked around and asked questions and most people say their organisations don't deal in money! I will check it all out ... there is no rush!
DeleteWhat a shame that the service turned out not to be for free! As Ron has said, and I have in the past, there are some volunteers that I'm sure would visit you for a chat and a cuppa.
ReplyDeleteI am going to do a more thorough search, Joe, and not take the first that comes like before.
DeleteThat seems wrong you have to go 2 more weeks. Seemed like a lively service though!
ReplyDeleteBetty
I agree, it does seem wrong.
DeleteI agree with Ron's comment above, Valerie. Maybe you could check into whether or not you had to sign anything that committed you for a certain length of time, perhaps those helpful neighbors might be of assistance here? Sorry you will lose the twice weekly company and do hope something else will turn up. As you know, there's never a need to apologize for letting off steam or having a rant when sharing with blogger friends.
ReplyDeleteI am reluctant to ask the neighbours.... I have asked them things and they have always been helpful but I detect a reluctance sometimes. When that happens I always feel guilty for bothering them.
DeleteYou did a great thing here.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Oh, I do like your name.... I could do with that haha.
DeleteThat seems wrong to me too, did you ask why? As far as I'm concerned if you cancel something it should take effect immediately, when you say so, not when they say so.
ReplyDeleteBefore writing this, River, I had a message that I had already replied to your comment. I can't find it, though, so the mystery will have to deepen!!! I do think your remark is right... absolutely.
DeleteI'm sorry to hear this Valerie, and so frustrating. I agree with what others say, there are organisations that help. I seem to remember hearing about something called Crossroads, although I don't know if they are still going. Good luck!
ReplyDelete