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AIBU

To worry about dying alone

(160 Posts)
Sourcerer48 Fri 11-Aug-17 10:51:58

I live alone with my dog in a housing complex.
Although I pass the time of day with my neighbours, I dont really know any of them well.
My worry is dying alone with no-one knowing about it.
My son and his family live in New Zealand (13 hours ahead of the UK) and I only speak to them on Skype once every couple of weeks.
Do other Gransnetters share this worry and does anyone have practical suggestions on how to overcome this very real fear?
It also horrifies me to think of my dog locked in the house with no way to get out!

shysal Mon 14-Aug-17 16:38:25

Going off piste slightly, don't forget to always have a bag packed in case of a hospital visit. This was discussed on a thread a while ago. I have had one ready for years, it sits on the spare bed at all times, as I live alone.

shysal Mon 14-Aug-17 16:41:44

www.gransnet.com/forums/other_subjects/a1190820-Being-Prepared

Bellanonna Mon 14-Aug-17 17:57:31

Luckily we do this as DH was "bluelighted" to hospital last week. Make sure duplicates of any medications are included too. Shaving and washing needs, spare underwear, spare reading glasses, slippers, etc. It saves fumbling around to collect all the bits while the ambulancemen are here, or even if you drive your OH to hospital, unsure of a possible admission. Sal i haven't read your link but I'm sure it says much the same. Good idea to mention this.

jantee Mon 14-Aug-17 18:05:24

This is something I have thought about a great deal since my DH died 4 months ago. It really came home to me on Friday when I was the victim of a collapsing stepladder. Just a black eye and a damaged leg but it could have been so much worse. I am lucky in that I tend to chat with my family every other day but it would be quite a while if something more serious happened.
I have good neighbours but feel too young to ask someone to check on me and do not yet want an alarm button. Guess I shall have to live dangerously for now.

Legs55 Mon 14-Aug-17 21:58:03

I am lucky that my neighbours would notice if I wasn't up & about or if my light is still on in my Lounge very late, I usually go to bed between 12 & 1 anything later than that is very unusual. 2 neighbours have a key. My cat has a cat flap & would soon "kick up a fuss" if I didn't feed him.

I also keep my neighbours informed about days out, holidays etc so they know not to worry. I also drive so if my car doesn't move I would either get a knock at the door or a phone call. Dying alone doesn't worry me but being taken seriously ill does.

PamelaJ1 Tue 15-Aug-17 10:23:31

On an earlier post I said I would find out about a device that links a kettle with and smart phone. I asked my mum about it and she is asking her friend ( who has one) about it. I will report back when I have heard.

PamelaJ1 Tue 15-Aug-17 10:24:50

Just read an earlier post and nannot gran has already given the details.

SparklyGrandma Tue 15-Aug-17 11:00:32

Mawbroon gosh thats a sad and very pertinent account of action by Gransnetters and Greatnan's passing.
What a great help everyone was, it sounds like.
annsixty you did the right thing.Surely the point of checking on someone is that they will be found fine and OK?

On the original point, I live alone and with several illnesses that I usually don't go on about, and being very ill is a concern.
And I don't feel I am old enough to tap into elderly services.

Emmaline Sun 20-Aug-17 21:54:16

Good point Franbern .. I have taken as many actions as possible in order to alleviate any possibility of being left on my own and that's all I can do.. so may as well get on with living my life and enjoying it.