According to the Alzheimer’s Association, around 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. Chances are someone that you know has this condition. You can provide assistance when it’s a family member because you know the person. But what happens when you notice a neighbor may be experiencing memory lapses?
Dementia is Beyond Forgetfulness
Let’s say there is an older woman who lives down the street. You’ve met her several times, and on each occasion, she introduces herself and acts like she’s never met you. She may ask where you live despite having previously talked to you directly in front of your home. She might also share her address just because. When the interaction ends, what can you do? It’s important to note that meeting someone once or twice does not always equate with remembering his or her name, no matter how old you are. First, establish if you think she truly has memory loss. In the situation above, it is possible the senior woman has some form of dementia based on the fact she has no idea who you are even after meeting you several times. The next time you see her, consider saying that you have met in the past and asking if she remembers. This may further verify that she has dementia.
Find Senior Living Near Me
“Learn if the senior lives alone or may require outside assistance.”
Make Saftey a Priority
Find out if the person you’re concerned about lives with someone else or alone by asking in conversation when they’re out in the neighborhood. For example, you may notice the grass is never mowed when you walk your dog past their house. This may indicate they live alone and cannot safely manage the yard work. If the yard is mowed once a week by a young person you also see hanging out on the front porch, chances are that individual lives with the senior or comes over to help. If it’s wintertime and the steps haven’t been shoveled, consider taking on this task yourself or asking a local volunteer organization to help. Many seniors don’t have friends or family to assist them with these simple tasks, so if you’re in doubt, ask them if they would like you to find them some help.
Ask for a Welfare Check
If you can’t reach someone or haven’t seen them in a while, you can call your local law enforcement department to complete a welfare or safety check based on your concerns. When the weather gets hot, many news stations broadcast announcements to stay indoors, stay hydrated, and ensure that elderly or disabled individuals are OK by checking on them. Local police departments can perform welfare checks on seniors if they see fit. If you notice no one has been in or out of the home in days, this may be a chance to call the police and share your concerns. If you see the senior wandering the neighborhood in a confused state, this is another opportunity to have the police enter the senior’s home to ensure they live in safe conditions. If the police need to, they can inform the senior’s family or make a referral to adult protective services so that the person’s health and safety needs are being met.
