Back in April we moved into our new home. Bella Vista, where I live, was originally established as a retirement community, but as the city grew, more and more young families (like us) have moved in. Our neighbors were in their 80's but extremely friendly, loved having the girls around, etc. Unfortunately, the wife died about 3 weeks ago after stuggling with uterine cancer for 2 years. She died on her 81st birthday. (I really wanted to post about her death then, but decided not to.) She was a kind, good-spirited woman despite undergoing chemo the entire time I knew her. Her husband, 86, suffers from what I would classify as moderate Alzheimer's. He takes care of himself pretty well (he was alone alot during the last few weeks of his wife's life as she was in and out of the hospital.) He had told all of the neighbors that he planned to end his life when his wife's life ended. We, of course, passed the word along to his children when they arrived to take care of the arrangements and attend the funeral. They tried to convince him to enter an assisted living facility or move in with them (one lives in MN, another in CO, another in OR, and another in Brussels, Belgium.) He adamantly refused. Now the kids are gone, and we have taken it upon ourselves to watch out for him (along with some other neighbors.) My husband talked to him this evening while he and DH were mowing the lawn (yes, he was mowing his lawn in 100 degree heat at his age.) Randy (DH) said that all he talked about was how lonely he was. Randy suggested a change of pace might do him good.
OK, that was long, but what I really want to know is: Should we contact Social Services and make sure he is really taking care of himself or should we butt in and spot check his home, bring him occasional meals, etc? We feel terrible for the man but are at a loss as to what steps we should take to help him.
Thanks for any advice.
OK, that was long, but what I really want to know is: Should we contact Social Services and make sure he is really taking care of himself or should we butt in and spot check his home, bring him occasional meals, etc? We feel terrible for the man but are at a loss as to what steps we should take to help him.
Thanks for any advice.