If you live in a close-knit community, there’s every chance you and your neighbors look out for each other’s well being. You likely meet up for town councils and pop over to each other's homes to catch up and check in. It’s lovely to build this sense of community where you live. It can also go a long way towards ensuring everyone is happy and healthy.
Sometime, you may notice worrying signs in your neighbor which weren’t there before. As you live so close, you may even be the first person to do so. After all, family members stop by for a few hours at a time, but, you’re with these people every day, and you’re sure to notice changes in behavior and routine.
When it comes to our elderly neighbors, sudden changes are often cause for concern. Sadly, Alzheimer’s and dementia are rife and ruining lives on a daily basis. The first signs usually include sudden changes and confusion, both of which you, living next door, are likely to spot straight away.
And, that begs the tricky question of how you can move forward. You’re going to want to do your bit to help. You may be the only person in a position to notice these small changes at first. So, if you suspect a neighbor is struggling in this way, you should make sure to do the following.
Talk to Others
The idea of talking to other neighbors may seem underhanded, but when it comes to issues like these, it could be your best course of action. After all, wandering and getting lost are commonplace with Alzheimer's. You alone can’t keep an eye out to ensure this doesn’t happen. The more eyes on the street looking out for this person’s well being, the better. What’s more, you may find that others have spotted things you missed. They can thus confirm your thinking enough to lead you in the right direction. Knowing you are not the only one who has noticed a difference, will help you decide what actions you should take.
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Contact the Family
Contacting a neighbor's family is never easy. It can feel like crossing a line, especially if you don’t know them well. If the family lives far away or they don’t visit often, there’s every chance they won’t know what’s happening. In truth, it’s easy for this to backfire. As such, you should be sensitive and avoid definites. Simply give them a call and let them know about the things you’ve noticed. Then, it’s up to them to seek medical opinions and, if necessary, alzheimer's care. At least you’ll be able to rest easy that you didn’t sit by and let your neighbor suffer alone. You may be the only one who reaches out and this could make a big difference in how quickly your neighbor will receive the help they need.
Pay regular visits
Visiting elderly neighbors is always essential. It becomes especially so in cases like these. Alzheimer’s and other such issues can lead to considerable confusion and feelings of isolation. The mere knowledge of your visits will help your neighbor build structure and give them interaction to look forward to. And, when it comes down to it, that’s the most important thing of all.
Sometime, you may notice worrying signs in your neighbor which weren’t there before. As you live so close, you may even be the first person to do so. After all, family members stop by for a few hours at a time, but, you’re with these people every day, and you’re sure to notice changes in behavior and routine.
When it comes to our elderly neighbors, sudden changes are often cause for concern. Sadly, Alzheimer’s and dementia are rife and ruining lives on a daily basis. The first signs usually include sudden changes and confusion, both of which you, living next door, are likely to spot straight away.
And, that begs the tricky question of how you can move forward. You’re going to want to do your bit to help. You may be the only person in a position to notice these small changes at first. So, if you suspect a neighbor is struggling in this way, you should make sure to do the following.
Talk to Others
The idea of talking to other neighbors may seem underhanded, but when it comes to issues like these, it could be your best course of action. After all, wandering and getting lost are commonplace with Alzheimer's. You alone can’t keep an eye out to ensure this doesn’t happen. The more eyes on the street looking out for this person’s well being, the better. What’s more, you may find that others have spotted things you missed. They can thus confirm your thinking enough to lead you in the right direction. Knowing you are not the only one who has noticed a difference, will help you decide what actions you should take.
Pexels Image
Contact the Family
Contacting a neighbor's family is never easy. It can feel like crossing a line, especially if you don’t know them well. If the family lives far away or they don’t visit often, there’s every chance they won’t know what’s happening. In truth, it’s easy for this to backfire. As such, you should be sensitive and avoid definites. Simply give them a call and let them know about the things you’ve noticed. Then, it’s up to them to seek medical opinions and, if necessary, alzheimer's care. At least you’ll be able to rest easy that you didn’t sit by and let your neighbor suffer alone. You may be the only one who reaches out and this could make a big difference in how quickly your neighbor will receive the help they need.
Pay regular visits
Visiting elderly neighbors is always essential. It becomes especially so in cases like these. Alzheimer’s and other such issues can lead to considerable confusion and feelings of isolation. The mere knowledge of your visits will help your neighbor build structure and give them interaction to look forward to. And, when it comes down to it, that’s the most important thing of all.
Hopefully this is helpful to you. Thanks for stopping in.
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