suspect neighbour has dementia

[mumteedum]

I have a concern about a lady who lives a few doors away. She's on her own and clearly v lonely. I'm happy to chat but we're neighbours rather than friends iyswim.

I don't want to get involved with her but I am concerned that I think she has dementia. She repeats things, forgets things, seems to talk about stuff which happened ages ago as if v recent. I've seen similar behavior in family member so pretty sure I'm right. Thing is I don't see anyone round there though she talks about her daughter and gd.

Is there someone I could report to who could check on her? Social services? She's not a danger just now but I've no idea if she even knows she's ill but if she is and nobody is aware, she's going to deteriorate without it being picked up. It's bit sad really.

[pippop1]

Could you ask to meet her daughter when she next comes? Perhaps you can ask for the daughter's phone number "for emergencies" and then call her and have a chat?

It's a shame no one has replied to you yet OP. My MIL who has dementia has one kind neighbour who called us when something was amiss and we were v grateful.

[SauvignonBlanche]

Surely phoning social services will place her on their radar?

[ILetHimKeep20Quid]

Absolutely social services.

[mumteedum]

Thank you for replies and sorry for delay in getting back. I just rang social services and they said they'll contact gp and take 'further action'.

Things took a bit of a turn yesterday when she was wandering the street with a form in her hand. She asked if I would witness it. I was trying to check if she knew exactly what it was she was doing and she seemed to (surrendering an insurance policy), but I don't feel too comfortable with it. I know realistically if I didn't sign it someone else would have and anyway what could I say? Her memory is really bad though now. Even asked if my little boy was a boy or a girl and he's 2 now. I just don't see anyone going there. If I DO see her daughter I doubt I'd even be able to speak to her privately as the lady is usually outside waving her off, but I don't remember seeing this for a long time. Could be that I just haven't happened to see anyone going there but I just have a niggling worry that she is totally on her own most of the time, ill and nobody knows, including her!

I did think about your suggestion pip of asking for daughter's number for emergencies, but I think she would be likely to want to reciprocate and I cannot give her my number. I know that might sound harsh, but I have other stresses in my life which mean I am being careful to not get too involved in this. I hate the way that sounds but I have to put my family first.

At least I've tried to do something now I guess and I'll keep an eye on anything untoward.