Support Elderly Living Alone

Gabriel from Blockhouse Bay

The Hello Project by St. Johns is such a great idea with the absolute best intentions. But once again consecutive governments have failed to support the elderly. Required is dedicated paid support by people who have the appropriate training.
To encourage neighbours to check in on the elderly next door, then make a plan. Even at a glance, this intervention can be fraught with numerous issues, from relatively minor to terribly major.
The community is under tremendous stress currently. The particular financial cost of living. Many proud workers, who are the breadwinners are reduced to applying for food parcels/grants. Hard-working good people. Like many in our community, there is a real sense of desperation. It is not beyond human nature to behave badly when stressed in extreme circumstances. I can think of another 8 or 9 hypothetical situations that can occur.
As we age our personalities can change, sadly for some to a very challenging level. How would the next-door neighbour appropriately deal with this situation, without any formal training? Possibly a dangerous environment for both parties.
For many elderly forgetfulness (not dementia) is part of the aging process. Innocently checking on your elderly neighbour could cause conflict, "I'm sure I had $10 yesterday, did I give it to you"?
I would truly hope this to be my own machination, but numerous court hearings nationwide testify to these concerning issues.
Once again the intention of the Hello Project is great, but. . .
Kind regards Gabriel Peita