WWYD? Elderly neighbor needs doc

[SunFloridaDisney]

We have 2 elderly (probably early 80's and 90 or so) women who live across the street. DH helps them often with odd jobs, shoveling, etc.

Earlier this evening the younger(?) sister called to say they needed help since the older one fell. DH ran right over, and I came about 15 minutes later. She had fallen in the TV room, and DH thought she hit her head. She seemed disoriented and was unable to walk on her own. We think she may have even possibly had a stroke or something.

Problem is, they DON't want to call 9-1-1, and DH can't make them call the doctor. I know it's not our responsibility, but WWYD? They don't have family near here (a brother lives a few states away) and we aren't related at all, but we're very concerned. DH did call his close friend who is a nurse, to see if he could take a look at her and give her some advice. I feel like calling myself and just sending a squad there, is that being too forceful?

 

[Serena]

Go by your instincts. If you think they need to go to the hospital offer then a choice. Ambulance or get in the car?
Forceful, yeah, but sometimes you have to be more stubborn than they are.

 

[buzzlady]

Call. Let them be mad at you - at least they will be alive to be mad.

 

[diznygirl]

See if they would agree to go to the ER if you drove them. Sometimes disorientation is a sign of dehydration too. Good luck.

 

[DISUNC]

We have 2 elderly (probably early 80's and 90 or so) women who live across the street. DH helps them often with odd jobs, shoveling, etc.

Earlier this evening the younger(?) sister called to say they needed help since the older one fell. DH ran right over, and I came about 15 minutes later. She had fallen in the TV room, and DH thought she hit her head. She seemed disoriented and was unable to walk on her own. We think she may have even possibly had a stroke or something.

Problem is, they DON't want to call 9-1-1, and DH can't make them call the doctor. I know it's not our responsibility, but WWYD? They don't have family near here (a brother lives a few states away) and we aren't related at all, but we're very concerned. DH did call his close friend who is a nurse, to see if he could take a look at her and give her some advice. I feel like calling myself and just sending a squad there, is that being too forceful?

I take care of my elderly parents They live with me........EVERYTIME THEY NEEDED TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL>>>>THEY SAID NO!!!!
They would have died a dozen times already, IF they didnt go to the hospital.

CALL 9-1-1

In some repects you have o treat the elderly as children! It sounds harsh...but trust me on this one
They may be older BUT YOU HAVE TO BE THE ADULT!

 

[floridafam]

I would call. There could be any number of things going on medically.

Please let us know what happens.

 

[Tine731]

Call 911.

 

[Maryr1]

Call 911 if they won't let you take them to an ER. Better they are mad at you then dead. My mother had a heart attack a few years back (she lives with me and I'm a medical person). I KNEW she was in trouble but she told me she was fine. I dragged her to the ER (kicking and screaming) and when the doctor came in he asked her a # of questions-including if she was nauseaus(can be a sign of a heart attack). She told him she was in fact nauseaus,but she was sure it was my "driving"!!!!!!!!!!! AHHH! She still doesn't listen to me or take me seriously and I have literally saved her many times........Good luck!

 

[SunFloridaDisney]

We did end up calling, (DH's friend also did come and check her - her BP was high, among other things.) He said since he was involved he legally couldn't leave her in that condition.

We offered to go to the hospital with them, but they said they would be ok. DH gave them our phone # and told them to call when they need a ride home later. These women do get around pretty well, but they often take the bus. The younger one even volunteers at the hospital.

I'll update tomorrow when we find out something else.

thanks for the responses.

 

[barkley]

call 911 if they won't voluntarily go. if it is a stroke treatment in the first 24 hours can be essential to recovery (as well as ensuring that the cause is not ready to trigger another one). it's also not unusual for a fall in an elderly person to quickly 'domino' into life threatening issues.

med. respsonce will evaluate and determine if the person needs to be treated.

 

[lajones81]

I would call 9-1-1 or perhaps the local police department. I'm sure they would do a "well check" for your neighbors if you asked them!

ETA: I'm glad you called!

 

[poohandwendy]

Yeah, I agree with the others...call 911. At least she will be seen by paramedics and they may even be able to talk her into going in to be treated.

I wouldn't take her in yourself unless she is acting rational and asks you to. She could become more confused during the ride, which could be a problem.

 

[minniecarousel]

ah, Bless you Kate (& your DH).

You did the right thing. It's very difficult for the elderly to admit when they need help.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

I would call 911....from the fall she may even have a bleed. Just explain that if you didn't care about them so much you wouldn't call.
Also it is imperative that if she had a stroke that the correct medicine is given during a very small window of time!