Did I do the right thing?

I'm very ill and fatigued.

My mother had a visitor that is a neighbour. She asked me for help. He is 86 years old. He had a fall last week in his garden, He lives alone and has a son that lives far away with a family.

His landline is cut off and I phoned his network. They said they are working on it. He as a mobile phone, but doesn't know how to use it. Apparently he refuses help.

My mother suggested that we call social services as he is very vunerable. They said they will phone my disabled mother so we can tell him when they will visit. She has a device around her neck that she can press if she has a fall.

He dosen't know his son's phone number and we organised this without his consent. We phoned social services so they can give him the device. 

  • Hi Anna,

    Thanks for the reply. I found out that he has two sons. He is seeing one of them this weekend. I just found it strange that they left him alone without any form of contact.

    I told him to visit us tomorrow so we can teach him how to use his mobile. He needs to have it with him 24/7.

    God forbid, if he has a serious fall, he needs the phone ready and able in his pocket at all times.

    I'm surprised his son's haven't set that up. Bad form.

  • Dear NAS71232, 

    I feel you have done a very caring thing by looking out for a vulnerable neighbour. Hopefully now social services will be able to provide support for your neighbour and contact the son. It is a lot for you and your mother to undertake. 

    Please look after yourself,

    Best wishes, 

    Anna Mod