Haven't seen my elderly neighbor in 9 years. Should I be concerned? (house, living in)
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It's not quite as bad as that sounds but it is still odd. She's 92 now and has had Alzheimer's for about ten years and has had a live-in caretaker all that time. The last time I saw my neighbor was in 2006 and as far as I can tell hasn't left the house since then, not even to see a doctor. Of course I'm not home all the time but I have been home enough during the day to think I would have seen her a few times in nine years.
About two years ago the live-in caretaker had some of her family/friends move in with her (and my elderly neighbor) with the permission of the neighbor's son. The people who moved in are mostly late teens/early 20s and seem to be poor as I found a welfare receipt from them in my yard. I've never met them and I'm not even sure who they are or how many of them are there. I've seen at least seven different people.
I have no reason to assume my elderly neighbor is being mistreated, other than now having a bunch of strangers (to her) living in her house, including at least three young men. When I see her son once in awhile and ask how she is I'm told she's healthy but doesn't talk. About 2-3 years ago someone from adult protective services came to check on her and left so I guess he found everything in order.
Do you think this is anything to be concerned about, a 92 year old woman who has been in her house for nine years and doesn't seem to even go out to see a doctor once in awhile? Her family and son seem like responsible people but I can't imagine letting seven or more strangers live with my mother if she had Alzheimer's. My neighbor was checked at least once by adult protective services, as I'm guessing another neighbor called, but they were apparently satisfied. Still the situation just feels wrong.
martin,
Sounds like something fishy but there is little you can do about it.
My first thought is that she's dead but others are taking her social security checks.
Maybe you could call 311 or your local precinct non-emergency number and express your concern. There are probably also a bunch of social service agencies for seniors in NYC; maybe one of them could advise you. At least if you try (even if you are shut down) you know that you did try and won't be left with the guilt if you find out later something bad was happening and you could have tried to help.
Phone up these experts on elder abuse, at Carter Burden Center, during regular business hours. See if they can advise you more, or point you to other citywide agencies. Carter Burden serves UES residents, but don't let that stop you from asking them for ideas.
You can report anonymously to Adult Protective Services. It could be that the live in care had a family housing emergency and the son didn't want to lose her services, but it sure sounds strange. A lot of elder abuse is done by a family member of the victim.
^ Actually that could be dangerous as the caregiver's family are sketchy people. I suggest the OP should call authorities and let them handle it.
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