Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Mumsnet classics

Relive the funniest, most unforgettable threads. For a daily dose of Mumsnet’s best bits, sign up for Mumsnet's daily newsletter.

Flip

1 2 3 4 5

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

OP posts:

MothertotheLordsofmisrule · 12/07/2016 23:24

Aww!

That is the sleep of the hero who knows he has done well

Draylon · 12/07/2016 23:31

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

KittensWithWeapons · 12/07/2016 23:31

Oh, he's gorgeous. You and he both did great tonight

KittensWithWeapons · 12/07/2016 23:36

Oh Draylon, I'm so sorry

Draylon · 13/07/2016 00:22

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

diddl · 13/07/2016 08:31

Yes, thank goodness for "nosy" neighbours!

One noticed that my 80+ parent hadn't opened the curtains. Luckily a neighbour has a key & parent was found collapsed. All OK now though.

When I took my dog out one evening I noticed neighbours cat out & car not in garage. Told another neighbour who contacted daughter. Original neighbour was in bed with chest pains!

They needed surgery which sadly they didn't survive.

Hopefully what they went through wasn't as traumatic as the daughter finding them dead in bed the next day would have been.

cheeseandmarmite15 · 13/07/2016 08:55

If you hadn't taken Frank in there is a chance he would have been taken in by the RSPCA who may have put him to sleep because of his age or even rehomed him that the owner is too frail!

They recently did this with a woman's cats when she fell in.

Well done op for rallying to Frank's cries for help. He is a wonderful dog and you are a great neighbour for calling help and for looking after the utterly marvellous Frank.

Yoksha · 13/07/2016 08:58

First of, for you OP.

Amidst all the political turmoil we're going through ATM. I read this. It brought a wee tear to my eyes. Restored something basic within me. Frank is just how I pictured him. You're a good neighbour OP. WELL DONE.

MrsCaecilius · 13/07/2016 09:04

Lovely that people like you exist OP.

Always worth it to do something rather than nothing when that little voice tells you something might be wrong.

Last month DP and I were walking along a beach when we saw a pile of clothes on the sand. We joked that it looked as though someone might have 'walked into the sea' (not in a good way, it was a cold day) and looked out at the water. We could see 'something' off shore floating in the waves and joked that it could be a person, only it wasn't moving.

That little voice told us something was wrong, but we thought the chance of it actually bring someone was sooooo slim that we almost walked on. But we didn't.

DP stripped off and swam out, I called 999. Long story short, it was someone. Sadly it was too late, but I am still so glad we tried.

Yoksha · 13/07/2016 09:21

MrsCaecillius, brave Dh. Good on ya.
and a me thinks is warranted for all the small acts of humanity delivered on this thread.

FaithAscending · 13/07/2016 09:29

for you Captain and for Frank. I agree with pp, you've probably saved her life. Hope you enjoyed the wine and chocolate!

soupey1 · 13/07/2016 09:42

Well done OP, it was good that you recognised there was a problem and got help and well done for taking in Frank although he looks adorable.

I work with older people who are all supposed to wear their pendants but sometimes they don't and we recently had someone who fell whilst not wearing it and although there was a member of staff in the building they didn't know there was a problem and they lay on the floor for hours. They are currently in hospital and not doing well - so you have probably saved a life.

littlemissneela · 13/07/2016 09:48

What a wonderful neighbour you are! An hour is nothing when, as others have said, she could have been there all night. Well done to that dog, Frank! He is a hero trying to get help for his 'mom'. I hope your neighbour gets well soon, amd I think the key is a great idea. There are ones you can put in a safe outside the door which you need to open with a number, so a few chosen people can have access if required. Might be worth her family looking into it.
I love that your hubby brought you some treats as a reward. I bet the sugar helped after all that stress

Original poster

CaptainCallisto · 13/07/2016 19:57

Just got home from work and had an update from DH. Our neighbour's daughter has arrived and has taken Frank home. DH said she got very emotional when she came, and sobbed into Frank's fur. I think she knows he saved the day!

Neighbour is doing well apparently and is in good spirits. So that's a relief! Her daughter is going to stay until the end of August and see how her mum is getting on (she said she could arrange longer if necessary too!) and was very relieved when DH mentioned the possibility of a key safe.

Hopefully all will be well. I'm going to polish off that chocolate and have a long bath!

OP posts:

Original poster

CaptainCallisto · 13/07/2016 19:59

Should say as well, thanks for all the support last night. You all helped me keep a calm head on. I'd have been a wreck!

OP posts:

Flatbellyfella · 13/07/2016 20:43

Mumsnet at its best....

DrCoconut · 13/07/2016 21:06

You probably saved your neighbours life. I did the same once. It is actually also one of my slightly woo stories but I was alerted to the fact that something wasn't right and acted on it. That night has never left me, it's quite something when it sinks in. And what a great dog!

Fluffyears · 13/07/2016 21:25

Well done, the police don't mind doing welfare checks even if it turns out nothing is wrong.

My gran had one of the pendants but wouldn't wear it in case she pressed it accidentally. My father had one too so we had to assure her that they don't mind. When you press the button it dials through and a voice comes on asking if you are ok. If their is no response they come out ASAP, if it's an accident you just tell them and they are ok. They are fab people.

Please keep an eye out for anything 'unusual' like OP did, a woman who lived down the road from my gran says if she ever passed and the curtain weren't open she'd call in or alert my uncle who lived nearby.

Mycatsabastard · 13/07/2016 22:45

So glad your neighbour is doing well.

Frank is a legend on Mumsnet now. Absolutely doggy hero. And you deserve recognition for being the neighbour that is nosy for a good reason! I'm sure the news that she's doing well is a huge relief for you.

Flip

1 2 3 4 5