I think my neighbour is developing dementia

[RnB]

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speak to a charity like Age Concern link here and to local branches
they will be able to advise you in confidence about what you can do
you sound very caring - she is lucky to have you as a neighbour

I had this issue last year with my elderly neighbour. I begged for someone to listen to me because it was so clear there was something wrong. She did start forgetting, but she was also acting strange - loud TV. then she started accusing my husband of having music up loud in the middle of the night (we don't by the way!!) and banging her walking stick on the adjoining wall. It got that bad she had the Police around to us as she was accusing my husband of beating me up (he wasn't!) - they stormed into the house at 8am one Sat morning! The last accusation (on the same day!) was that my husband had shot someone dead in her driveway (he didn't!) All this went on for 5mths during which time I contacted Social services - they came once or twice - but the lady wouldn't let them in to talk to her! I visited her GP to explain my concerns. A mental health nurse was put in charge of her care - but she continued to live at home on her own - with NO family or friends.
I kept saying that someone would stand up & listen when something bad happened - and I'm sorry to say they had to ........
Last May (2006) I noticed the curtains etc in the same position as the day before - I rushed to school and thought when I get back (10mins)if nothing has changed I'll dial 999. As I pulled up outside the house the Mental Health Nurse also pulled up - I explained my serious concerns to which he replied - well I did try to visit yesterday but there was no answer!!!!!
The police & ambulance were called and thankfully she was alive - but she'd slipped in the bath (upstairs) and become trapped - sometime the previous day. She was taken to hospital and has returned back home since. She is being cared for in a type of nursing home.
Sorry for the "warble" - but I hope you can find some sympathetic people who will listen to you - I didn't until it was nearly too late for this poor lady.

That is so sad. Thank goodness she was okay.

As for we tried the day before....words fail me.

I used to visit an elderly woman who lived alone and had never married. On one occasion when I called, she fell and hit her head on her bathroom sink...fortunatley I was able to get her to hospital. To cut a long story short, she did have a niece who lived some distance away but had been visiting as often as she could. I telephoned her and she basically took control of the situation. The lady was assessed and eventually did move into more appropriate accomodation with the support of her niece. So perhaps uyour neighbour has a sister or brother or other family members that you could contact? Otherwise, could you have a descreet word with her GP?

Gosh how difficult. That was exactly how it started in my grandmother's case. It did take a long time to get her into suitable provision as she was so opposed to the idea - I think in the end she began scaring herself.

yes good luck getting anyone to do anything
so sorry for this lady

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