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Original poster

Worried about elderly neighbour

119 replies

CaptainCallisto · 12/07/2016 20:39

I'm really concerned about my neighbour. Her dog has been barking for over an hour, and he's usually really placid and only barks if someone is at the door. I know she's in because her car is there (she isn't too steady on her pins so always takes the car) but she's not answering the door...

I had a quick look through the living room window, but I couldn't see anything, except that the tv is on.

I've just called the police (non-emergency) to see what they suggested, and they're going to send someone over. I'm just so worried she's fallen, or worse, and I can't get in to help!

Feeling very helpless Sad

OP posts:
Scribblegirl · 12/07/2016 20:41

Flowers for you op. You've done totally the right thing. My dad is frail and I'd love it if someone did the same, even for a false alarm.

Strong Brew while you wait. Did they say how long they'd be?

Imnotaslimjim · 12/07/2016 20:46

You've done the right thing. Hopefully they're not too busy and come out quickly. Have a warm drink and some chocolate, do let us know if they get back to you Flowers

Lilly948204 · 12/07/2016 20:47

Hope she is ok, you sound like a lovely neighbour

ExitPursuedByABear · 12/07/2016 20:47

Well done for checking.

Original poster
CaptainCallisto · 12/07/2016 20:48

They thought someone would be here within half an hour... It seems such a long wait!

OP posts:
NeedACleverNN · 12/07/2016 20:48

You've done everything you can.

Well done Flowers

SloppyDailyMailJournalism · 12/07/2016 20:53

Good luck OP. It does sound quite unusual that she wouldn't quieten the dog down. Do you have a relative of hers you could call? Maybe a friend has picked her up and the dog is anxious she's gone.

Scribblegirl · 12/07/2016 20:53

We're here with you Smile

Her ddog sounds like a lovely chap (or girl!) - living next door to a dog that doesn't shut up is rather lively, your set up sounds perfect!

SquinkiesRule · 12/07/2016 20:56

Waiting, I hope she's fine and your having a cup of tea and a laugh about it all.

Catzpyjamas · 12/07/2016 20:57

Hope she's ok. You sound like a lovely neighbour Flowers

Original poster
CaptainCallisto · 12/07/2016 21:04

I'm in feeding DS and I can hear a car has pulled up, and people talking, but I can't see if it's them. Aargh, hurry up DS!

OP posts:
Original poster
CaptainCallisto · 12/07/2016 21:05

Scribble he is lovely. He's an old Labrador and he mostly just lollops about and dozes in the shade. I honestly don't think I've ever heard him make so much noise....

OP posts:
hollyisalovelyname · 12/07/2016 21:11

Well done OP for being so kind.
If only neighbours ( nice ones) would give keys to each other to help each other out.
I'm glaring at ndns whose alarm goes off and I have no way of stopping the blo*dy thing.

JonTargaryen · 12/07/2016 21:12

I hope she's okay. You definitely did the right thing.

Original poster
CaptainCallisto · 12/07/2016 21:14

Frank has suddenly gone quiet...

OP posts:
Original poster
CaptainCallisto · 12/07/2016 21:14

Frank is the dog

OP posts:
MrsOs · 12/07/2016 21:16

Whats happened?

NeedACleverNN · 12/07/2016 21:16

Is her door unlocked?

Could you not open it and poke your head in and call out for a response?

Not actually enter the property

user1466690252 · 12/07/2016 21:18

Hope they are ok

KittensWithWeapons · 12/07/2016 21:20

OP, thank you so, so much for looking out for your neighbour. My Nan is old and frail and lives alone, I can only hope that she has neighbours like you. You absolutely did the right thing, and I hope your neighbour is okay Flowers

bluebelle2662 · 12/07/2016 21:24

Hope your neighbour is ok

AGreatBigWorld · 12/07/2016 21:32

We have an elderly lady who lives opposite us. DS2 has adopted her as his Grandma. Her son works in the day so I have the spare door key and am on her alarm. Will never forget the morning I turned the corner and saw the ambulance outside hers. The poor dog has never moved down the road so fast in his life. Her other son was there and I went in. The ambulance staff assumed I was her daughter and neither she or her ds told them I wasn't which made me feel very emotional. She didn't have a suitcase so she borrowed mine and I packed her suitcase for her. The only reason I didnt/ couldn't go in the ambulance was because like her ds I had to go to work. She was home in a few days and ds2 is very fortunate to have her as well as my mum!

Original poster
CaptainCallisto · 12/07/2016 21:36

Just spoken to the police. She's had a fall in the bathroom and they think she's broken her hip. I wish I'd called them sooner; the poor thing has been lying there over an hour Sad

Her daughter lives abroad but is apparently going to come home as soon as possible. Neighbour has asked if we can look after the dog until her DD gets here.

I feel so awful that I waited so long to call the police... Sad

OP posts:
NeedACleverNN · 12/07/2016 21:37

You couldn't have known Flowers

Don't beat yourself up about it. At least you did something!

You deserve a large glass of wine and that dog needs a bone

PenelopePitstops · 12/07/2016 21:39
Flowers

You did the right thing. You weren't to know. You sound lovely.