I have a work acquaintance who I feel bad for because she's older and doesn't seem to have friends or family nearby. I have fallen into the trap of occasionally inviting her to things and then regretting it because she will turn every conversation back to her, no matter what. She also tells tales on people ("has a word" with peoples' managers about various things), and talks about people a LOT behind their backs.
A work colleague is currently in hospital and a small group of us from work went to visit her this morning (with her consent). We didn't initially invite this other lady for no reason other than she wasn't around when we were discussing it. However, she saw us heading to the carpark and stopped us to ask if we were going somewhere nice, and old softy me felt inviting her to tag along was the right thing to do. An extra person tipped us over the available space in my car, so one of the other ladies said she'd taxi over on her own. Not a good start. Anyhoo, when we got there, our colleague was pleased to see us and was giving her account of what she's been going through - except at every opportunity, this acquaintance would interrupt and say things such as, "Well, when I was in hospital they ..." and "Oh, you don't know what pain is until you've had what I had ..." it's just so tiresome and really hard to put up with. A couple of the other ladies ended up making excuses and departing (giving me the evil eye as they did), leaving me stuck with this acquaintance and another work colleague. On the drive back, the acquaintance was saying how nice it felt to be included in things, which made me feel really awful for being cross with her!
I don't know if she realises how she comes across. The funny thing is, she has told other people how they are perceived by others in the office (which has made things very uncomfortable). She just doesn't have social skills and can be very clingy.
I have actually tried to put distance between us - easily done as I'm often out of the office traveling - but she often calls or texts (I don't answer or respond) - but always end up feeling a bit sorry for her. I don't like to think of people being excluded, and I think she does realise that she doesn't fit in, but perhaps isn't aware of why that is ... I think if someone sat her down and told her how she comes across, she'd fall apart.
All advice welcome and appreciated
he doesn’t want filler stuff as he says it’s more clutter for others to clear when he dies (cheery I know!) I’m thinking maybe something to make his time there more comfortable/enjoyable, or maybe something to pass the time? Help!
I may be being unfair though. 
Do you have an airfryer? I always do our "roast" chicken in ours now - leaves room in the oven for all the other bits.