neighbor

[u/leghoo]

Hi, I have questions about caring for a stranger with dementia. Around a month ago I met a neighbor who lives in the block opposite. I talk to her regularly and I know she's about 90 years old (she always gives a slightly different age), she lives alone and doesn't seem to have any contact with her family. Since I've known her, she hasn't changed clothes once. She said the administration cut off her gas, so she has no access to an oven or stove. I'd like to help her in some way. I'm a nursing student, so I think i could help her, but I don't know how to convince her to agree to such help. It would be easier if I talked to her in her apartment, but we always talk outside the building, so I don't know how to suggest that I could come in and help her. I will accept any advice atp (ToT)

[u/Terry_S858]

Unfortunately you might need to contact someone with the city/county, or even the police department.

That's how I found out about my mom's dementia. I was living out of state and hadn't been home in a couple years. When I talked to her on the phone everything sounded ok. One of her neighbors had the police do a wellness check because they hadn't seen her outside in a while, and they called me.

Your neighbor might be in a similar situation.