How to Check on an Elderly Neighbor

How to Check on an Elderly Neighbor

Many elderly men and women live alone without any family or friends close by. The spouse may have passed away and they have chosen to stay on in their homes. If you have elderly neighbors, you should check on them from time to time to make sure that they are OK.
   1. Step 1  Call first. Some neighbors may not appreciate you just dropping by unannounced. If you have the phone number, give a call first to see if it's a good time for you to come by.
   2. Step 2  Check on the elderly during bad weather. If there is a heat wave or a snow storm, go by to see how your neighbor is holding up. Offer to bring him any supplies that he may need during the spell.
   3. Step 3  Organize a phone system with other neighbors. See if your other neighbors would be interested in setting up a system where each of you rotates calling and checking on the elderly in your neighborhood.
   4. Step 4  Take over some easy-to-heat-up food. Casseroles or pasta salads are two options that your older neighbor may appreciate.
   5. Step 5  Offer to run errands for the neighbor. If the neighbor has a hard time getting around, volunteer to go grocery shopping or make a run to the bank.

Tips & Warnings
#  Before you take over any food, find out any dietary restrictions that the person may have. You don't want to take fresh baked brownies to a diabetic.
#  If your elderly neighbor does not have air conditioning and you do, invite her over to your home during a hot spell.