What to Do if You're Concerned About the Health of a Neighbour

Originally written by Jeff Durham, updated by the editorial team on 19th May 2026

Looking out for neighbours who may need help

Most of us live near people we rarely speak to beyond a quick hello. That is normal, and there is nothing wrong with keeping a respectful distance. But when a neighbour lives alone, is elderly, or seems to be struggling, a bit of awareness from those nearby can make a real difference.

You do not need to be intrusive or nosy. Checking on someone you are worried about is a reasonable thing to do, and most people will appreciate the thought behind it even if nothing turns out to be wrong.

This guide covers how to spot signs that a neighbour might be unwell, what you can do to check on them, and who to contact if you believe someone needs urgent help.

Signs that something may be wrong

There are some common indicators that a neighbour might be struggling with their health or wellbeing. These signs do not always mean there is a problem, but they could be worth checking.

Post or newspapers piling up in the letterbox or on the doorstep for several days
Curtains or blinds that stay closed during the day for an extended period, or remain open at night
Bins left out long after collection day, or not put out at all when they normally would be
Lights that stay on constantly or are never switched on
Parcels or online shopping deliveries left unattended on the doorstep
An unusual smell coming from the property
No response to the doorbell when you know they are usually home
A pet that seems distressed or is barking or meowing persistently

Changes in routine can also be telling. If you are used to seeing someone in their garden at certain times, walking to the shops regularly, or hearing their television through the wall, a sudden break in that pattern may be worth noting.

Of course, there may be a simple explanation. They could be staying with relatives, have gone on holiday, or simply changed their habits. But if the signs persist and you have a genuine concern, it is reasonable to take some action.

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How to check on a neighbour safely

The simplest approach is often the best. Knock on the door and see if they answer. If they do, you can just explain that you noticed something seemed different and wanted to make sure they were alright. Most people will not mind, and many will be glad someone thought to ask.

If you have their phone number, a quick call can be less intrusive. You might say you have not seen them around and wanted to check everything was fine. Keep it casual and friendly.

When you are not the immediate neighbour, consider speaking to the person who lives next door or directly opposite first. They may already know what is going on, or they may share your concern and be willing to check together.

If you know the person has family members or next of kin living nearby, contacting them might resolve your concerns more quickly. A relative can often confirm whether everything is fine or arrange to check in themselves.

If you cannot get a response and remain worried, try looking through a window if it is possible to do so without trespassing or being intrusive. This is not about prying into someone's life. It is about checking whether someone might need help.

You could also try asking other neighbours, the local postman, or anyone who might have had recent contact. Sometimes a shopkeeper or regular delivery driver will have useful information.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

When to contact the authorities

If you have tried to make contact and still have serious concerns, there are several options depending on the situation.

For an emergency, call 999. This includes situations where you believe someone may have collapsed, had a serious accident, or is in immediate danger. The police can carry out a welfare check and may force entry to a property if there are clear indications of immediate risk, such as visible signs of distress or credible reports of danger. Forced entry is a serious step that requires justification, so officers will assess the situation carefully.

For non-emergency concerns, you can call 101, the police non-emergency line. This is appropriate if you are worried but do not believe there is an immediate threat to life. They can arrange for officers to visit the property and check on the person.

Your local council may also be able to help. Many councils have adult social care teams that can carry out welfare checks or make referrals to support services. You can usually find contact details on your council's website or by searching for adult social care and the name of your local authority.

If you know the person has a GP, you could contact the surgery to express your concerns. They will not be able to share any information with you due to confidentiality, and they are limited in what action they can take without consent unless it is an emergency. However, they can note your concern and may be able to follow up.

Age UK runs a free advice line on 0800 678 1602 and can offer guidance if you are worried about an older neighbour. The Silver Line, on 0800 470 8090, provides a 24 hour helpline for older people and can also offer support. If you have concerns about a neighbour's mental health, Mind offers information and a helpline on 0300 123 3393.

In cases where you suspect abuse or neglect, you can report your concerns to social services directly. This is known as a safeguarding referral under the Care Act 2014, and councils in England are required to investigate when there is reason to believe an adult may be at risk of harm.

Being a good neighbour without overstepping

Some people worry about interfering or being seen as nosy. This is understandable, but it is rarely a problem in practice. While reactions can vary, many people appreciate a genuine check when there is concern, and the alternative of doing nothing when someone needs help is far worse.

You do not need to become best friends or commit to regular visits. Even a one-off check can be enough to alert the right people or put your mind at rest.

If you do build a rapport with a neighbour who lives alone, small gestures can go a long way. Letting them know you are happy to be contacted in an emergency, keeping an eye on their property when they are away, or simply saying hello when you see them can all help create a sense of connection.

For more information on supporting vulnerable adults in your community, you can visit GOV.UK and search for adult safeguarding or contact your local council's social services department.

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78 questions

Ask Problem Neighbours a Question

ProblemNeighbours Editor 29/07/2026 at 10:50 pm

@Oxxy Honestly, a cough and a runny nose next door isn't likely to sweep through the neighbourhood, so try not to panic on that front. If you're genuinely worried about their wellbeing, knock and ask if they're alright, or pop a note through offering to grab shopping or medicine. Should they seem really unwell and alone, you can ring 111 for advice on their behalf. Otherwise it's probably just a rotten cold and they'll be as fed up with it as you are.

Oxxy 29/07/2026 at 10:50 pm

I have a neighbor next door who has been having a nasty cough for the last 7 hours nonstop. This is concerning as the cough has developed into some kind of drumbeat. The person blows their nose every few minutes and persists in coughing irritatingly throughout the day and night. I'm also concerned about the possibility that whatever infection the neighbor has could overwhelm the whole neighborhood. What should I do?

ProblemNeighbours Editor 18/05/2026 at 9:16 am

@Maddy That sounds really tough, especially when their behaviour towards you makes it harder to feel sympathetic. It might be worth contacting your local council's adult social services and asking for a welfare check, as they can assess vulnerable adults discreetly. Age UK also has a helpline (0800 678 1602) and can offer advice on how to approach the situation. You don't have to be their friend to flag a concern, and doing so anonymously is absolutely fine.

Maddy 23/05/2023 at 6:29 pm

I am worried about my elderly neighbours upstairs they are dreadful to me but I think that is a call that they need help but they seem to have very deep seated mental health issues which I don't know how to manage

Vin 22/05/2023 at 4:05 pm

My neighbour is 66 lives on his own.
Doesn't wash himself or clothes looks dirty all the time.
The house smells bad and so does he.
The nurse said its full of dust and old funature.
Doesn't look like he is eat properly
Has heath issue with his heart
Few months ago last his partner.
Is there somewhere I can report maybe he needs some help
Sometime he doesnt look like he's with it
Where.can I report this too with him knowing

NMK 16/04/2023 at 1:04 am

I hear my female neighbour shouting at her husband regularly. She sounds very aggressive whilst I can hear one word answers coming from him. I don’t want to get involved but she needs taking away. I would say they are both in their mid/late 60s.

What would you do?

Exhausted 05/01/2023 at 2:08 am

Being friendly and keeping an eye out for elderly neighbours without being intrusive is basic human decency. Problems arise when relatives of elderly neighbours begin visiting their home, screaming and yelling at them, hammering on the windows then barging in without an invitation and causing problems for neighbouring residents by being rude, loud, violent and demanding. Elder Abuse and Neglect are rife, especially when vultures swoop in to claim the elderly person's property and feel entitled to live rent free and access their money and assets. Had an instance in the street where a distant relative suddenly appeared at an elderly neighbour's home, moved in and lived off her money and hired a solicitor to change her will to ensure that he inherited her house and property and shares. Some people are callous, cunning and mercenary and feel entitled to abuse and defraud vulnerable elderly people of their money and assets. Keep an eye out and don't hesitate to report neglect or elder abuse.

Kerry 01/12/2022 at 12:39 pm

I have an elderly neighbour.,I have not seen her since covid she live with her two daughters one is now sick .I think she is being neglect because she cry for help throughout the night with enable myself and my children not to have a good night sleep.i am fed up when to knock on there door no answer I am fed up don't know what to do .

Jules 27/11/2022 at 9:30 am

Well I'm sorry Bev. But when I own my house and my children have to listen to an elderly neighbour who had no family and is clearly very distressed every night and shouts and has arguments with herself and scares my children then sorry but I'll do all I can to help as she is clearly not well. Hopefully if your ever unwell then as per your wish nobody gives a t*ss about you.

Bev 07/07/2022 at 6:44 am

You know what would be a good idea for most of the people making comments about older people or elderly people (not so much of a thing now, as younger people don't have the brains that older people have), that Good Idea is to MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS AND LEAVE THE ELDERLY ALONE, AND TAKE A LOOK AT YOURSELF FOR A CHANGE AND TAKE A LOOK AT PEOPLE AROUND YOUR AGE. We, the elderly, think a lot of younger people, not just the youth, but younger are STRANGE AS THE DEVIL. The don't even know a proper way to dress, and most of them don't even know where their waist is. They appear as though they are mostly not too bright. SO JUST MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS and take care of yourselves.

Jo 02/09/2021 at 11:46 pm

My neighbor a few doors down from my condo is constantly walking around her condo clapping
Also heard from other owners that she said she is going to kill herself
Was in a drug store in the makeup isle looking for vitamins then when she was brought to the correct isle she said she couldn’t see the vitamins and was driving to get home.
Should I be concerned?

Sandy 04/08/2021 at 1:58 am

I am worry about my neighbor leave in apt 4. 7 people live. There including a kid in the past 3 day I didn't hear the kid he is allways playing aroud I believe they using drugs and the kid may be in danger

Nikita 09/07/2021 at 12:45 am

I'm worried about my neighbor, his not been seen or heard from in 6 weeks he has had people come and had no answer not even answering his phone to no one and his herbs that he was watering every morning have been left to die. What do I do. Can I call the police

Gill 18/05/2021 at 9:50 pm

I'm worried about my neighbours there 98 and 96 years old they normally go to bed at 7pm they have carers but I just phone cos her light were on when dog they thought it was morning now are both up said it's 930 in evening dint knowwhat to do

David 15/03/2021 at 1:19 pm

My neighbour in a block of flats is always shouting and swearing out of his window he’s always on his own so clearly got mental health problems he seems to always be shouting at someone he believes is there. He’s being failed in regards to mental health support how do I report by worries and get him help, he’s not exactly approachable.

Carer 07/03/2021 at 3:02 pm

Hi .A distant relative has either had her phone line cutoff or changed number ,un sure which . and a close relative is unable to contact her for quite some time. This relative needs to know if alls well with her as she is believed to be vulnerable . Where can this relative start without having police visit as this happened before.

Bmck 20/02/2021 at 10:29 pm

My neighbour's downstairs are heroin users and they are constantly shouting to each other. One lives in the front room and one stays in the bedroom. I've been a neighbour to them for over two years and I hear them everyday all day. The past couple of days I have heard nothing from them, not even from their dog. This is very unusual. What do you think I should do. They are not the type of people who would appreciate a knock on the door.

None 19/01/2021 at 8:30 pm

My neighbour is elderly in her 80s and just lost a sister to cancer. She cries everyday during the night and I am really concerned about her mental state. Mobility is poor and is home bound. I am not quite sure if she is able to cook by herself now.. i only take her bin out and in but we are not close.

Matty 07/01/2021 at 6:57 pm

A neighbour 2 doors down has a mouse infestataion im having trouble also as a result.. entered his house today droppings everywhere.. he has no kitchen looked derelict no heating... either.. he lives upstairs with a little heater.. not sanitary or safe... what can i do

Andi 29/12/2020 at 5:20 pm

I’m concerned about my elderly neighbours who lives with their son (over 50). Every evening for the past fortnight the son shouts and screams at them. This morning at 1am he was shouting at them, which woke myself and daughter up. We are growing more concerned for them. Unfortunately the son/family are not the sort of people you can talk to or reason with, we’ve had bad interactions with them in the past. What can we do??

Tallie 17/12/2020 at 4:19 pm

There is a bungalow across from me where the lady has a fairly regular routine. Curtains are open every morning, you see her pottering around her garden and her lights are switched on in the front room at night. Today the curtains have remained close, its dark and there are no lights on and I haven't spotted her outside (working from home with an upstairs bedroom as an office straight next to a window I've come to notice her routine.) Someone did knock her door earlier but don't think they got an answer. I don't know this lady at all and wouldn't want to alarm her by knocking the door loudly. It could just be that she's out for the day. Would you all leave it for tonight and check in the morning?

Dee 10/12/2020 at 5:23 pm

Got my question answered by my other neighbour , she did the same thing to her when she moved in , as I have not long moved in , she's just lonely , I looked after my elderly father for nearly 10 years .

Dee 10/12/2020 at 1:07 am

Worried about my neighbour downstairs she doesn't speak English, Chinese lady keeps giving me things and I keep saying no but she keeps giving me things what do I do.

Pix 22/11/2020 at 12:22 pm

Dee, please contact adult social services through your council and say you're concerned for a vulnerable neighbour.

Dee 22/11/2020 at 10:23 am

My neighbors husband died of Colon Cancer a few months ago. Ironically, he was taking care of her, because she hasn't been well for years...I am not sure, because they never said what was wrong. I know she is alone with a dog and a bird and her living conditions are horrible. I have brought over food and water, but I can't do it any more, it is hard to breathe in her house and her dog hates me. The house is dark and dirty and smells awlful, I wear a mask, but she doesn't. I don't know what to do to help her living conditions. She doesn't have family or any other friends.

concerned 31/08/2020 at 12:22 pm

My next door neighbor hasn't made a sound for weeks. He's elderly and I haven't seen him or seen his usual shopping deliveries for a while. We don't speak often and I don't want to knock on his door in case he thinks I'm being nosey what should I do? Thankyou

Concerned 09/08/2020 at 12:01 am

I can see into the back bedroom of my elderly neighbours house from my garden and can see that the walls and ceiling are covered in mould. There has been a tarpaulin on the badly damaged roof for years and has never been fixed. He is fully mobile and seems to happily help everyone else but I'm concerned about the state he himself is living in. We arent on talking terms, I've only just moved in.

Whatever 30/07/2020 at 10:10 pm

Sometimes being to nose hurts too sometimes people have there way of living and don’t want to be disturbed Some people are just plan nosy I know I just stay in my house because I don’t like people and sometimes older people don’t like others meddling also Mabey they can’t eat or they don’t have money so getting them involved with well fair and stuff like that could be bad just nock once check offer a meal or advice and if ur truly concern they do it but becareful trying to get someone into deeper for how they like to live Mabey they live in the old days and like to live like someone in there time or in the mountains not all people love modern and do things what some people call normal let people let live. Unless ur truly concerned

Concerned 17/02/2020 at 10:07 pm

I have a semi detached house with neighbours in flats adjoining that have chimney fires. One neighbour has mental health issues and the other night the fire alarm went on for 1 hour, I investigated and could see no obvious signs of a fire apart from chimney smoke. Prior to this the other neighbours chimney has had sparks coming out of the chimney. My concern is for the state of both adjoining chimneys and obviously for potential house fires. What can I do to raise my concerns. Should I take it up with the fire brigade? Both neighbours are not approachable in the normal sense of the word and I am concerned there will indeed be a house fire one day. Your advice would be gladly received. Many thanks

Frosty 15/11/2019 at 4:57 pm

I've been watching an elderly neighbour walking around in her nightclothes, tending her garden for the last week or so [Nov. 15 2019] current temperature 5 degrees and its 17:00 hrs,
>its dark its bitterly cold and its spitting with rain, she and her dog are in the garden in her bedclothes>
I attempted to inform my local social services and have been told in no uncertain terms "because you're not a family member, 'we' can't take your report" so I called the Police, apparently according to the officer, "I'm over thinking the situation" and I should mind my own business and let the family deal with the problem...

So much for being a 'good Samaritan' in my neighbourhood...

so my question: what's blue and kills old people?
answer: Hyperthermia

well done ***shire social Services and Police Force

Small teeth 14/09/2019 at 8:55 am

I am caring for my elderly Mother and have been considered by our local council housing to be a grade 2 priority for a move to be nearer my Mother for the last 5 years. In all that time I have not seen my next door neighbour. I, and others, have contacted our local authorities and landlords and yet the flat remains empty. Do I contact the Police??

Rowan 03/08/2019 at 1:15 pm

When my elderly neighbour's door is open the smell is overpowering of urine. I think he may need some kind of help. I am disabled so unfortunately unable to help. Should I call adult social services. Any help would be appreciated.

Sandie 23/05/2019 at 9:44 am

I am currently living with my 97 year old grandmother while I am studying in London. But I am almost at the end of my course and will be leaving very soon. My mother lived and cared for my grandmother until my mother got sick and died 2 years ago. My grandmother has been alone after my mother's death, by living with her this year I have come to the realisation that she can not be alone. She sometimes leaves the key in the front door, or the front door wide open. She has forgotten she has left the pan on the hob, I do not think she can physically take a shower or have a bath. She insists she is independent but I worry that something will happen. She is legally blind in one eye and often can't see when food has gone mouldy but will eat it anyways. Her daughters visit her once a week or every two weeks. I am concerned about her once I leave and I am liable as a the house owner if anything should happen to her. What should I do?

Booboo 03/05/2019 at 12:11 am

I have a neighbour who takes vallium in large doses...she never seems to go out and looks like she hasn't washed in weeks she does have a mobility problem due to operations on her legs after a major operation. I suspect she's back on heroin as well... she knocked on my door and was clearly high as a kite so I helpped her back to her flat which to be honest is trashed as she has these lads staying there from time to time these lads have ripped lighting of the ceiling and smoke alarm and there is bear wires hanging out also there is a hole in the wall from apparently two lads fighting in her flat... her only son has washer his hands of her because she spends all her money on pill drugs and I suspect heroin and her only relative her dad wants nothing to do with her... she looks terrible

DIL 08/02/2019 at 9:35 pm

We have a neighbor who is very nosey. My MIL, early 90s, lives next door to us and her children look in on her daily. One stays several days a week overnight with her and takes her to the doctors. MIL is in okay health but suffers anxiety attacks, many of these are caused by the nosey neighbor who repeatedly tells her what another neighbor with dementia says about her. MIL's primary care physician had to increase her meds to cope. This nosey woman, in her late 80s, takes the mail out of MIL's box, looks through it, then bangs on her door to hand it to her and often wakes her up. MIL is deliberately trying to avoid this woman because my MIL feels like she has no peace to even take a nap or go to the bathroom. The same woman bangs on my door even though she knows I work from home. She wants to know all the details about my MIL's doctor appointments, meds, etc., which are none of her business. It's not concern; it's being nosey. Two neighbors are fairly young and both have newborns. This neighbor bangs on their doors because she wants to see the babies. If the parent says no, the woman pushes her way inside. MIL's children have told her to call first, to quit getting the mail, etc., but she ignores all of us. There are concerned neighbors and there are busy bodies who cause trouble even though they think they are doing good. Ours even talked her pastor into visiting MIL after MIL was recovering from an illness. The daughter was with her when MIL told pastor and neighbor she wanted to sleep and didn't want visitors. I'm disrupted at least twice a day. If I don't answer my door, she keeps banging on it until I do. This neighbor has been this way for decades. Her own kids know she does it but laugh it off. It's not funny. Not all neighbors are benign.

lisa 05/02/2019 at 9:15 am

Hi! I Have a neighbour, an elderly couple, which the husband is her carer and he himself is not well.. and they are both stress up and arguing all the time of little things. She would call me meddling between them.Wondering what help can be given to them. Alwas in up paramedic called, cause the wife got a heart problems and he can't hardly walk thus days because of legs or skin problems it's really worrying. Hope you can direct me to any organisation. Thank you.

Simon Barker 11/12/2018 at 6:07 pm

Im worried about my next door neighbour as I think he is finding it hard to look after his self he is a elderly man yesterday he told me he had no electricity in the house 8 tryed to help him out but I dint know what to do and it's winter also he has no food in the house and he look like he finds it hard with his personal care eg washing shaving and his day to day living

Emu! 29/11/2018 at 7:59 pm

Hi I am very worried about an elderly lady , she has very bad memory problems is very confused and doesn't have anyone to look after her , she's 85 . Who do I contact for help ? Tia.

Gone 27/10/2018 at 12:44 am

Hello, I am concerned about one of my neighbours (flat, private block). When I was leaving something next to my entry door (e.g. charity bag, umbrella), she would move it elsewhere or damage it. I know I won’t leave anything outside from now on, but I don’t feel safe about being around her. She is about 45-50 years old and lives alone. I think she may have issues, who could I talk to about this? Thank you!

ProblemNeighbours Editor 03/08/2018 at 11:38 am

If you can talk to the lady's family, then try to do this first, but otherwise, you need to talk to social services. If she's been diagnosed with alzheimers they may already be aware of her so it might just be a case of escalating it with them.

Tara 31/07/2018 at 9:37 pm

An elderly lady is living opposite my nan and her health is deteriorating. She has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and appears to be getting worse.
Her family occasionally visit but I can't help but feel it's not enough.
She has been in the same clothes for weeks and literally just sits in a chair all day.
The Chiropodist visited her first before seeing my nan. She told my nan that she was saturated in urine and had a terrible odour.
I need advice on what to do as I'm concerned that things will get worse, she is very vulnerable

None 21/07/2018 at 4:14 pm

I am worried about my Aunt and Uncle, she is 88 he is 90, they think they are OK but they are not, they can't look after themselves, my Aunt cannot walk and sits all day on sofa and wets herself, my uncle can hardly walk he also wets himself his trousers are always soaked in urine ,if you say anything they just laugh and say just one of those things, they haven't got dementia, the house to put it bluntly stinks the house is also very dirty they will not apply for any help from social services or anyone they don't believe in it saying that can manage, I can't help as I'm 75 and not in the best of health myself , I do take my uncle shopping once a week but hate it as that all complain at the supper market about the smell, I also have to cover my car seat with a waterproof as he just wets himself .

ProblemNeighbours Editor 03/07/2018 at 3:36 pm

If his family aren't willing to acknowledge the problem, it might be worth a call to your local social services department. They may be able to get someone to call round and talk to him, even if at this stage it doesn't warrant further intervention, he will at least be on the radar.

Tr1cky 30/06/2018 at 12:39 pm

I live in a quiet area in which there just bungalows for elderly and disabled people. One of our neighbors has regular visitors but not in the day when he does very worrying things . His family do not want to know about this . First of all my husband and myself are the youngest in these bungalows.I have refractory epilepsy . This neighbor knocks on the window for my husband to do things for him when he clearly has enough on his plate with me . Recently he has knocked for someone to cut his toenails , write Christmas cards ( yes in June ) and this morning he woke us up , knocked at 7 am for change for £5 . He said he doesn’t want to put his family out !
He also goes walking around in this heat in a big thick cardigan or coat . He goes out at least 10 times a day . We have been told he does this because he puts his recycling inside his coat and puts it in other peoples bins ( not his own ) he’s been seen doing this . Personally not everyone thinks it’s ok to do this and he is eventually going to get someone who doesn’t know him annoyed or get heat stroke . I haven’t a clue what to do

Grad 18/06/2018 at 10:16 pm

I’m concerned about my neighbours. A couple in their late 60s the man is in good health and the lady is not well. She doesn’t appear to be very mobile and it’s possible she suffers mentally too.
A few years ago she was left alone and broke her arm badly and was left for several hours (this happened twice) her husband “gave up work” to care for her but from living next door, I witness him going out to work (doing private jobs) and the lady is left for hours.
The man also spends 3 days a week at the pub during the day and every Friday night and Sunday night away.
We often hear a lot of violence and screaming and crying.
I am lost as to what to do?

ProblemNeighbours Editor 17/04/2018 at 12:02 pm

Do you know if he has any family members or close friends that you could talk to? Perhaps giving social services a call might be worth while if you know where he lives.

Katy 16/04/2018 at 3:05 pm

I’m worried about someone who lives on my road. They don’t seem to take care of themselves and it’s worrying me. They sat in front of me on the bus today and I could smell literal poo. What should I do? I don’t want to offend the poor man but I want him to help himself. His hair is so badly matted and he clearly doesn’t care.

libby 12/01/2018 at 10:58 pm

I would value some advice .My elderly neighbor is 92 and lives alone and has always been very independent Recently my family and another neighbor noticed bruising on her face and she said she just woke up like it.she has always been a person of habit but recently has become quite vague and all her usual routines have been ignored.My daughter found her at the end of our road one evening at 10.45 on a really cold frosty night going to catch a bus to meet her son. She thought it was the morning so my daughter brought her back to her house.My neighbors rang her son and told him about this incident and he came to see her and said he had taken her to the hospital and the doctor said she was alright and she told us he was going to get a lady in to help her. but this was quite a few weeks ago My other neighbor rings her each morning to check if she is ok and she said she was very cold and it turned out she had not had any hot water for 4 days as her water heater was broken,My neighbors got someone in to fix it for her and he did this for free, she has no proper heating only one little plug in heater. When my neighbor can get in she says the house is freezing cold and so is the old lady .She has since had more falls and has a cut and bruised face .On trying to ring her son about these incidents on a home and mobile he ignores all calls and never visits her.She has rang my neighbor asking if they are up thinking it is the morning when it is late in the evening. Today she got in a taxi and could not remember where she lived and gave the taxi driver an address he had never heard of. My neighbor again rang her son today to express our concerns and he was verbally aggressive callingl us curtain twitchers and vigalanties and he told our neighbors that they. are to have nothing to do with her.We feel she is at risk and I feel she is having mini strokes as her speech is slurred . We do not know what to do as she has a relative but he does not seem to care.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 02/01/2018 at 11:13 am

Contact your local social services department, they will look into it for you and if help is needed they will be able to offer the appropriate level of support.

Juls 23/12/2017 at 9:23 pm

I am concerned about a elderly neighbour whom cannot look after herself health wise and cleanliness wise, she thinks she OK, but she is not.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 04/12/2017 at 2:37 pm

If you're really worried about this gentleman, you could mention it to social services. His son may be locking the doors so his father can't get out and wander the streets/get lost etc, but it's worth mentioning just so they can take a look.

Bob 03/12/2017 at 10:49 pm

Our neighbour has severe dementia, several days a week we have him for meals. His step son goes out at any time of the day and night leaves him alone locked in. He has no acces to the telephone, the kitchen and cannot open any outer doors. We are extremely worried about his safety, what if there is a fire? Could someone advise on the correct course of action, we have already approached the step son but he feels it is ok to leave him.

Gingernut 15/11/2017 at 7:00 am

I have a elderly neighbor who is constantly accusing me of entering his house and stealing things from him. i.e. His cap, specs,bathroom rug! Whilst this seems comical he becomes very nasty and has on one occasion called the police. He has harassed my daughter in law when outside putting my grandson in his child seat...which my grandson remembers! He tells any one that will listen to him that I steal from him. He has a daughter who never visits and seems to want nothing to do with him. I have her phone number and ring her when he has knocked at my door, but she does nothing.He has harassed another neighbour, a lady that lives alone, accusing her of putting a dead firework on her drive, she puts a chain on her gate as she is afraid of him.
He is in his late eighties and has lived alone for many years, he also still drives a very big Mercedes, which I think is also scary as he is obviously not of sound mind. I really do not know what to do as he seems to have a vendetta against myself and my husband. We only moved here 2 years ago and he was fine in the first year, but since then he has turned against us. Can you advise what we can do.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 28/07/2017 at 1:00 pm

Talk to your local mental health team and raise your concerns with them. While you don't want to mention it to the police, perhaps you could mention it to your local PCSO or call 101, say you are asking for advice, rather than to "report him"

Hidecote 26/07/2017 at 1:11 pm

My neighbour I believe has paranoid schizophrenia he has lived there about 5 years. He always had several visits daily from male support workers who took him to a daily medical appointment. I always said hello good morning etc. However over last 6 months we don't see his support guys at all and he screams and swears mostly at night outside. He leaves front door open all night. He asked me to tell his sister and brother to leave him alone. He poked at his head saying they are in his head. He started approaching people in the park. He said they are telling him to do bad things but he doesn't want to. I learned from another concerned neighbour that the guy has been sent a letter from the agency saying as from Monday they are no longer responsible for him. I am worried that he Will have no One to help him. Any suggestions on who we could ask about this. Don't want to Involve police he hasn't done anything wrong. Thanks

ProblemNeighbours Editor 27/06/2017 at 12:11 pm

Please call social services again and report your concern. It sounds as though she needs more help than she is getting. Have you been up there yourself to check on her at all? Is she even still alive? (Maybe you should ask the police to take a look)

Lea 25/06/2017 at 10:19 am

I'm concerned for my neighbour who lives in the flat up from me. She has no window and hasn't done now for approx 2 years. Her garden is getting out of control and is making mine and other neighbours homes look horrendous. I do know she is under the social but no one ever seems to come to visit her and she doesn't leave her house which makes me think how the hell is she surviving plus she has a dog which she never takes out which is cruel who can I talk to for help ?

Tigi 22/04/2017 at 12:43 am

Can you help our next door neighbour understand that she no longer can cope by herself.
She no longer responds to banging on her door,window or her name.
She totally ignores you because her mind is somewhere else and not on this planet.
She leaves her front door open,and doesn't respond if you enter in the room like most people would.
Her so called home helps have done nothing to help her and now she's annoying others.
Can you help her?

Tigi 22/04/2017 at 12:30 am

Our next door neighbour is not capable of looking out for herself any more.
She leaves her front door ajar at night,she doesn't answer your calling her name,knocking on the door,knocking on the window or any other form of calling.
She is not deaf or hard of hearing,she is not on this planet mentally.
Not only is she a danger to herself constantly but now she's becoming a nuisance.
Her so called home helps show no concern about her well-being or they would have noticed she's
She's got worse over time!
Can you help her please,she needs reassessing.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 13/04/2017 at 12:49 pm

Could you perhaps try mediation? Citizens' Advice will have a list of local mediation services. If you are actually worried about the state of your neighbour's mind, could you try having a word with one of her friends/family that visits the property regularly?

Rosie 11/04/2017 at 4:31 pm

In the last year we moved into a house, it became apparent early on that the elderly neighbour next door, does not like us, she has on a number of occasions made accusations (false) about certain things, to the point she called the police stating we were having a party and burning chemicals, a local PSCO came and to her embarrassment realised we were in actual fact having a small family BBQ, we showed her all the things that have happened over the last year and she informed us we were within our right to log and start proceedings for harassment if we wished, we declined and instead sought advice from the military priest in our next steps, as its known that she is a Christian woman and we believed she worshipped at a local church, this has been hard to find so we are trying to find alternatives solutions, we have small children who should not bear witness to her rants, rants that although not of foul language can put stress on a family that bought this home to bring our children up in and for us to enjoy spending time in the garden. This is obviously the short version and any advice would be appreciated.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 27/03/2017 at 12:41 pm

Is there anyway you can find out his name or where he lives? It's a really difficult situation as he's just a customer, so these are things you don't usually get to find out. You could try contacting social services for advice - they may be willing to pop in one time when he's at your café?

Paul74 25/03/2017 at 10:13 pm

I work in a supermarket cafe and I'm concerned about an elderly customer who comes in regularly , he has dementia and over the last few months I have seen a big decline in both his physical appearance and his mental health , he mentions family but I have not seen any family with him for a very long time . He wanders about for a lot of the day he often comes in for something to eat but eats very little and then maybe comes back a couple of hours later but has no recollection of having been earlier , he's been buying paracetamol ,then day later buying more , I'm concerned he doesn't know when he's taken them or how many , overall I'm concerned for his wellbeing it's clear to see he's not a well man and needs help , I'm just not sure what I can do about it

ProblemNeighbours Editor 22/03/2017 at 11:18 am

You could start by talking to the neighbours directly. They might not realise that they are disturbing others. It can be very frustrating living with someone who has dementia and also to be suffering from it as an individual, so maybe they aren't coping very well. Talking to your daughter is the next approach. If that doesn't resolve things, your environmental health officer may be able to investigate even though the hours you mention aren't necessarily those that would warrant action.

Lmenz 19/03/2017 at 12:46 pm

I have an elderly couple living above me and my partner. The woman is partially blind and her husband and we believe her husband had dementia, from 7am to 11pm at night they argue, scream, shouting (he shouts for help, tells his wife to F off and she is telling him to be quiet and to stop shouting constantly), they go out with their daughter on a Saturday we presume and all is well but on their return straight back to it. We cannot get a good night sleep because of it and since we bought the flat it has only worsened!!! Any ideas what we can do other than potentially speaking to their daughter?

...... 04/02/2017 at 6:30 am

The old lady in the stair constantly screams and shouts through the night and through the day she lives alone I don't know why she would be doing this her daughter isn't approachable to talk to about this...

Enzie 02/01/2017 at 9:13 am

I currently live above an elderly woman has huttisons. The woman now tends to scream continusoly during early hours and during the day.. never when home help is there and lives with her husband.. she screams for help time to time but i am unable to knock on there door to see if shes ok as she takes aggressive outbursts. Her husband says everythings fine a deny the screaming but i know he doesnt want her in a home.. im not sure what to do im worries about the woman

ProblemNeighbours Editor 30/09/2016 at 2:43 pm

That's very considerate of you, but if she refuses your help there's very little you can do at this stage. Next time you see her ask her about it again it might not hurt to mention that you were worried she had been the subject of scam so she'd appreciate why you were asking.

RedPoppy 30/09/2016 at 10:38 am

While walking our dogs I was speaking to an elderly woman who I only know by sight but know lives on her own in a large house and who I suspect has no family. She mentioned she was about to post a cheque for just over £1000 to NPower which I said I thought sounded a lot. She claimed she had not heard the meter reader knock so the meter had not been read, and it was for 3 bills. My initial concern was that it might be hugely overestimated and to try to get her to submit a meter reading. I offered to accompany her to read the meter but she said she knew how.
I tried to enquire when she had last made a payment and she went on to say that she had been contacted by them some time ago to take part in a survey and was told because of this not to pay the bills. Now she had been asked to pay but she said they had already knocked something off the amount due, bringing it down to this amount she was about to post. That all sounds odd to me so now instead of just being worried that she is perhaps paying an overestimated bill I am worried she might be victim of a scam. I offered to come around to look at her paperwork, the bills and payments she has made but she declined.
Is there anything I could and should be doing.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 13/09/2016 at 11:54 am

Call the police on the non-emergency number 101. It's clear that something might be wrong if the dogs are whining to get back inside.

Taylor 11/09/2016 at 2:27 pm

Hi, it is early morning and I have a neighbor that lives behind me with dogs and a few hrs ago I realized they were whining to get back inside. The neighbor is elderly and I have even seen the ambulance come,to her house in the past. I can see the dogs of,the back stoop wanting inside. I worry she fell or went to lie down and is still unconscious. I tried to get a hold of her son but he didn't answer so I am at a loss next to calling the police. Since it has only been 4 hours I feel it is too soon to do that...
Also in the year I have lived here, her dogs have never whined to get back inside.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 14/07/2016 at 10:10 am

If you've heard her moving about it might all be fine, but if you get no response, try putting a note through asking her to contact you. If you don't hear from her, give your local police a call, they'll be happy to check for you.

StuartM90 11/07/2016 at 12:12 am

Hey,
I live in a top floor apartment with my partner, where is a lady that lives alone below us and lately we've noticed she has gone very quiet... her car has not moved for weeks, all her curtains and blinds are shut and we haven't heard or seen her leaving the house. The only sign of life I've managed to detect is whole out working on my car I could hear dishes being clanged together as though she was washing and stacking. Apart from that though...absolutely nothing? Should I be concerned and maybe do something? I have also tried knocking once or twice but I get no response.

J 30/06/2016 at 1:55 pm

Hi I live across the road from an elderly lady who I've known for 20 years, she's lives with her daughters daughter and she is working during the day which means the lady in question is on her own during the daytime. Every day in wind and rain she hobbles up the steps outside her house and stops every stranger walking past to take her to her daughters house, who's not there. Last week she stopped a woman and two kids and took them in her house. She didn't know these people and it's only a matter of time before she asks the wrong person and they end up doing something horrible to her. Can you give some advice on who to contact so I can get someone out to her house to assess how much in danger she is to herself? Only last year there was a fire in her bedroom

ProblemNeighbours Editor 29/04/2016 at 10:40 am

Could you find details of the landlord perhaps? If you call the police on 101 it's not treated as an emergency and they may just send a PCSO round to take a look in the course of his normal activities. Better to do something rather than nothing!

Danni92 27/04/2016 at 8:14 pm

I don't know what to do! I live in a house where my garden is over looked by some flats, there bathroom/kitchen windows look out onto my back garden. I have noticed the past 3 days that one of the windows has been wide open all day, I wouldn't find this unusual but it has been freezing cold and snowing on and off so it has started worrying me now. I can't access the flats tp get in and check with the neighbour and I don't want to call emergency incase it is all innocent and I'm over thinking. Could you please give me some advice.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 16/06/2015 at 12:29 pm

@Suzzieb23. You could ask social services (contact them via your local/county council) to investigate. They will respect your confidentiality.

Suzzieb23 11/06/2015 at 2:52 pm

Who can I contact over the social welfare of my neighbour please? She is paralysed and living on her own. Her family do not bother with her anymore and I recently discovered from herself that she had not been out of her home for months. She appeared upset by this and was on the verge of tears while I was talking to her. I don't drive and have health problems myself and feel I am not able to help her. Please could you tell me if there are any options for someone to contact or visit her anonymously as I don't want her to think I am interfering but I am concerned that she may become depressed.

Kind Regards
Sue Blake

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