Know thy neighbour
philippasmith2
Posts: 2,643
Probably not the most apt title as I suppose most of us know our nearest neighbours. Judging from the recurring Problem Neighbour threads, perhaps more than we would like to at times 
I'm really referring to those people - particularly the elderly - whom we see on a regular basis ( in our particular case, those who walk their dogs, visit the Cemetary or Churchyard ). Always have a chat, mostly get to know their christian names, names of their dogs, aware they live in the village but that's about it.
The other day an elderly lady named S was walking her dog. My OH had just had a chat with her, come indoors and when I went into my garden just a few minutes later I was horrified to see her laying on the opposite pavement. A passing motorist had seen her fall but was unable to help her to her feet. Between the 3 of us, we managed to get her up, across the road and settle her and her dog in the house. Rang for an ambulance but was told it could be several hours before they could get out here. S was totally confused, couldn't remember where she lived or any phone numbers for relatives - her main concern was being a "nuisance" and worrying about her little dog which was curled up quite contentedly on the sofa next to her.
Luckily the ambulance turned up a couple of hours later, did various bits and pieces and then took S off to hospital. Unfortunately, we were still left with trying to find out exactly where S lived, contact numbers and at least securing her house as she had no house keys with her. It took us a couple of hours after the ambulance left to find out where S lived. contact her relatives and find one of her neighbours who had looked after her little dog on occasions and was willing to do so again.
Sorry for the somewhat lengthy story but it taught me a lesson - regular chats are fine and many elderly/lonely people appreciate the exchange BUT in case of emergencies such as this, it pays to be a bit nosy during the conversations to find out out the basics early on ( surnames and even a vague address, friends or close neighbours, etc. )
I'm really referring to those people - particularly the elderly - whom we see on a regular basis ( in our particular case, those who walk their dogs, visit the Cemetary or Churchyard ). Always have a chat, mostly get to know their christian names, names of their dogs, aware they live in the village but that's about it.
The other day an elderly lady named S was walking her dog. My OH had just had a chat with her, come indoors and when I went into my garden just a few minutes later I was horrified to see her laying on the opposite pavement. A passing motorist had seen her fall but was unable to help her to her feet. Between the 3 of us, we managed to get her up, across the road and settle her and her dog in the house. Rang for an ambulance but was told it could be several hours before they could get out here. S was totally confused, couldn't remember where she lived or any phone numbers for relatives - her main concern was being a "nuisance" and worrying about her little dog which was curled up quite contentedly on the sofa next to her.
Luckily the ambulance turned up a couple of hours later, did various bits and pieces and then took S off to hospital. Unfortunately, we were still left with trying to find out exactly where S lived, contact numbers and at least securing her house as she had no house keys with her. It took us a couple of hours after the ambulance left to find out where S lived. contact her relatives and find one of her neighbours who had looked after her little dog on occasions and was willing to do so again.
Sorry for the somewhat lengthy story but it taught me a lesson - regular chats are fine and many elderly/lonely people appreciate the exchange BUT in case of emergencies such as this, it pays to be a bit nosy during the conversations to find out out the basics early on ( surnames and even a vague address, friends or close neighbours, etc. )
2
Posts
Yes, although I couldn’t tell you my mobile number if you paid me, I do keep it charged and do carry it with me whenever I go out.
I have the number written large on the screen side (so that I can appear to quote it effortlessly to anybody who might ask!) and have another label on the reverse which says “Next of Kin” and their number.
If you live in Derbyshire, as I do.
Sounds like her BP went low, this happens to my OH and his memory blanks out too. He can't remember the episodes where he blanked out at all. Hope the lady comes knocking on your door to thank you when she's on her feet again, but don't be upset if she doesn't she might not remember.
I did have a similar episode a few years ago but luckily it involved my NDN ( also of a similar age ) who had answered her door to a courier, promptly fell over and broke her hip. She at least was fully compos mentis, had one of those Alert thingies on her wrist and asked the courier to come and get me. All that entailed was making her comfortable where she lay, contacting her family and sitting on the floor with her and chatting whilst we waited for the ambulance.
I know it makes sense to always carry at least some form of ID with you but I don't suppose S is alone in thinking "I'm only taking Maisie for a walk round the village..........."
I do appreciate your kind comments but the reason I posted was to make people more
aware that, despite all modern technology, there are those amongst us who do not, or cannot make use of it.
It certainly taught me not to assume anything and maybe to be a wee bit more nosy in the future
I dread the day that I meet them in the street and call them by their pseudonym. 😬
If you live in Derbyshire, as I do.