The old lady next door

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by clueless1, Jul 5, 2012.

  1. clueless1

    clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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    The old lady who lives next door to us has been taken ill. Last I heard, a couple of days ago, was that she'd gone into hospital as her ticker was ticking a bit too fast.

    We like the old dear next door. Should we post a card through her door for when she comes home? Or, worst case scenario, if she doesn't come back home do we think posting a well wishes card might upset her family?

    I'm not sure what the etiquette is when its the neighbour.
     
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    • Fat Controller

      Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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      I'd be inclined to wait until she comes home, and then maybe pop over with a card and ask how she is - chances are she will be glad to see you, and will almost certainly appreciate that someone nearby has noticed that she hadn't been too grand.
       
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      • Phil A

        Phil A Guest

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        Like FC said, wait till she comes back is probably the best approach.
         
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        • Freddy

          Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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          Thing is, are you supposed to know? I mean, is it common knowledge?
           
        • clueless1

          clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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          One of the old girl's kin told us, and asked if we'd keep an eye on her house.
           
        • Robajobs

          Robajobs I ♥ Organic manure and fine Iranian lagers

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          I'd attach it to a bit of cotton so if the 'worst case scenario' happens you can snatch it back out.
           
        • shiney

          shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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          I wouldn't do any of those. I'd go and visit her in hospital. :dbgrtmb:

          Elderly people in hospital rarely get visitors so she is almost certain to be very pleased. We always try and make time to visit acquaintances in hospital and visiting friends is a must.

          When Mrs Shiney visits anyone in hospital (she visits all her patients if possible) she also goes round the ward and sits and chats to anyone who doesn't get visitors. The staff always say that her doing that is much appreciated. :dbgrtmb:
           
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          • chitting kaz

            chitting kaz Total Gardener

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            i agree all my clients would appriciate the visit but dont forget the card as when she speak to anyone else they like to tell them who visited and what card they bought ! hope she is better soon
             
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            • Fidgetsmum

              Fidgetsmum Total Gardener

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              Yes, I'd visit the hospital too.

              If her family work, it's perhaps difficult for them to visit during the day (and hospital visiting hours can be very long these days), so I'd buy a small bunch of flowers, pop in for about 15 mnutes saying you're sorry she's not well, re-assure her you're keeping an eye on her house, that you've brought the flowers to hopefully cheer her up a bit and that you're looking forward to her coming home.

              That way you've acknowledged she's not well, re-assured her about the house and done the friendly neighbour bit, without necessarily looking as though you're trying to 'muscle in' on what is essentially a family matter.
               
            • shiney

              shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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              I agree - but check with the hospital first as some don't allow flowers anymore. :sad:
               
            • clueless1

              clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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              I would normally agree with the hospital visit idea, but the old lady next door is not a typical biddy, in that she hasn't been all but abandoned by her offspring yet. When she's at home, there is an almost constant stream of sons and daughters and grand kids popping in and out, so I can only assume they are also visiting her now she's in hospital.
               
            • Marley Farley

              Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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              The old boy I used to care for is in hospitalat present & apart from myself & family only one other friend goes in to visit...!! :dunno:

              Well if you are quite sure she will still get a constant stream, that is fine & I would definitely send her a card & tell her not to worry about her house as you are keeping an eye on things.. Then if you can catch one of the relatives find out if it would be ok to visit sometime.. Visitors can be tiring too if too many of them.
               
            • shiney

              shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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              I'd still be inclined to visit but make it a very brief one. It shows that you care about her which, even with lots of family to visit her, will make her feel good.
               
            • gcc3663

              gcc3663 Knackered Grandad trying to keep up with a 4yr old

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              If you know one of the Rellies that is likely to visit her, just hand them a card along with you good wishes for her.
              It will show that you are thinking of her, and follow up with a visit when shen gets home. It sounds like she will have enough visitors at the Hospital, and they won't want her to get too tired.
               
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