Elderly lady fell down

[kitchensupps]

Horrible thing happened today. As I was driving to an appointment an elderly lady crossing the road quite far in front of me seemed to trip on the kerb and take a tumble onto the pavement. A few cars drove past her and as I approached I could see she was struggling to get

Elderly does not mean someone has dementia. This person just tripped and fell... it happens all the time to all ages.
Unless this person was in her nightgown and talking about being out looking for her parents, there is no reason OP should suspect dementia.
And anyway... call who?

@Riseandshinee @adriftinadenofvipers
Yes. Two members of my family have dementia but can get around within limits. One has to not have overnight stays away from home as this is too risky for night time confusion.
Years ago I was in the supermarket and spotted an elderly gentleman on his own, with sweat pouring off him. Being a nurse I was immediately concerned in case it was a heart attack. He couldn't tell me much, so I approached customer services, explained and a call was made for the family. It was made very clear to me that this was the gentleman having his bit of independence, and my concern was not appreciated.
All patient alarms work off GPS these days, home and away, with a list of contact numbers.

Well done for stopping to help OP! It’s very sad that so many people were reluctant to assist and the hooting from idiot drivers is appalling. People like you make me have faith in the world!

I often read about "elderly" people who turn out to be a similar age to me. If I had fallen in the street I would be off as quick as I could because I would have been embarrassed. Not all the elderly have dementia!!!

You did the right thing by stopping to help OP, well done, but if she said she was fine then it is no longer your problem.

It was lovely that you stopped to help and by the sounds of it she was fine (and just embarrassed I imagine). I am 38 and slipped on some gravel back in September and went straight down. It was going to school time in the morning and parents walked past me, ignoring me whilst the children just stared! I only had a cut elbow and was mostly very embarrassed!

Who?

Did you have your hazards on?

I think unless she showed signs of confusion - she knew where she was going - do not automatically think dementia.
In my seventies I have have tripped over a kerb while walking the dog and hurt my knee but continued the walk regardless and felt very embarassed myself.

Do not assume an elderly/older person is incapable - it is very patronising.