Elderly neighbour - what can I do?

Larumbelle

Sorry if this is posted in the wrong place, I wasn't sure where to put it.

I'm worried about my elderly neighbour and I'm not sure what I should do (if anything). I usually see her most days and 'keep an eye' even if I don't actually speak to her. I know I probably sound like a nosy neighbour or something, but most of my neighbours are elderly and I've always looked out for them.
I last saw her Tuesday morning, I haven't seen her since, no lights have gone on and her curtains haven't been opened or closed. She usually tells me if she's going away overnight because she knows I worry if I don't see her for a day or two. Also, she usually closes her blinds and her curtains if she goes out. She's had bad flu and has been ill for weeks, and I'm worried that something has happened to her.

I've tried calling everyone in the phone book who shares the same surname as her, and I've tried phoning the house and banging on her doors. I also asked the other neighbours if they'd seen her or knew of her going away or anything. I know that at this time she's probably visiting family or something, she does have a lot of family who live locally, but it's playing on my mind and I want to make sure she's okay. What can I do? Should I do anything? Should I speak to the police? Or am I just being stupid?

piptiddlepip

I think you should DEFINITELY speak to the Police. They can force entry if necessary. It sounds like you've tried everything else.

alwaysonthego_2

As above call the police so they can check on her.

Good for you for showing community spirit by checking on your elderly neighbours!!!

gemz20

personally i think your being a caring neighbour you could pop to your local police station and explain the situation to the front desk officer and see if they could help you but then if you say she has family close by do you no how regular these people visit your neighbour

Krystaltips

I second the police, my Mum's elderly neighbour died the week before christmas last year and it was only because her curtains were closed and no lights came on in the evening we called the police and they found her, the kettle was still boiling on the hob when they broke in...

jackieb

I don't think you're being stupid.

So none of your neighbours have seen her, or seen her go away, either? You could try phoning the police (do you have the 0845 number, not 999) and ask their advice. Do you know which doctor's surgery she goes to? As she's been ill, she might be in hospital and not had the opportunity to let you know.

Good luck, and let us know how you get on. Hopefully, if she has a lot of family living locally, if they'd not heard from her they'd have been round to see what was up? But at this time of year everyone is busy so you don't know for sure.

Larumbelle

Thank you all for your comments, I think I just wanted some reassurance that I'm not over-reacting. I have visions of her returning from a visit to her family to find her door off its hinges or something and feeling really stupid...

I've spoken to age concern, and I've been passed on to the local social services. They told me to call the police too, but the police want me to check with the local hospitals first... I'm doing that right now, I never thought of it before.

gemz20

if only there was more neighbours like you we defianlty live in happier places, let us no how you get on

UKTigerlily

Thanks for caring, if it was my Nan i'd be so greatful she had neighbours like you. I agree with the police, best to be safe than sorry. Please let us know the outcome & I hope she's located soon!

belfastgirl23

Call the police - better safe than sorry. And let us know how you get on....

nadnad

thats so nice that you've noticed and care. i hope she's just visiting family or something. let us know