ChatterBank8 mins ago
Elderly neighbour with persecution complex
4 Answers
Hi All,
Are there any armchair psychologists out there who can help with a quandry?
I live in a small village where all the houses are privately rented from an Estate (very feudal). A neighbour is an 80 year old widow who has lived here some time who says for most of this year someone (she suspects someone who works for the Estate) goes into her garden and knocks pots over, moves things around, damages plants etc.. She also believes someone goes into the stable of her elderly pony and does much the same.
Unfortunately most of the village does not believe her, so she feels isolated and that everyone is against her. I try to speak to her and she tells me what's been happening- some of which seems so obviously paranoid. I don't want to alienate her by saying it's not true, but I don't want to fuel her paranoia either.
The Estate management is aware of the problem, but has done nothing as far as we can see. Her daughter, who lives nearby is also aware, but has made no move to reassure her by fitting security equipment.
What can I do? Short of staking out her house/stable to see if someone really is doing something, I'm stuck. The daughter is almost as irrational and would only accuse me of interfering if I try to help. I feel for my neighbour, as it is all very real in her mind and bothers her. She is in no way ready for a home and I don't think a doctor could help her.
Any ideas??
Are there any armchair psychologists out there who can help with a quandry?
I live in a small village where all the houses are privately rented from an Estate (very feudal). A neighbour is an 80 year old widow who has lived here some time who says for most of this year someone (she suspects someone who works for the Estate) goes into her garden and knocks pots over, moves things around, damages plants etc.. She also believes someone goes into the stable of her elderly pony and does much the same.
Unfortunately most of the village does not believe her, so she feels isolated and that everyone is against her. I try to speak to her and she tells me what's been happening- some of which seems so obviously paranoid. I don't want to alienate her by saying it's not true, but I don't want to fuel her paranoia either.
The Estate management is aware of the problem, but has done nothing as far as we can see. Her daughter, who lives nearby is also aware, but has made no move to reassure her by fitting security equipment.
What can I do? Short of staking out her house/stable to see if someone really is doing something, I'm stuck. The daughter is almost as irrational and would only accuse me of interfering if I try to help. I feel for my neighbour, as it is all very real in her mind and bothers her. She is in no way ready for a home and I don't think a doctor could help her.
Any ideas??
Answers
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Firstly, is there a new estate worker who is possibly, for some weird and wonderful reason, picking on her. Secondly, do you know her GP and you could have a chat with to voice your concerns.
Thirdly, local police....any reports to them and have they/are they doing anything about it?
Not in any particular order btw :)
Thirdly, local police....any reports to them and have they/are they doing anything about it?
Not in any particular order btw :)
Is there a community police officer that could reassure her in case there really is someone trying to spook her.
The other alternative may be that she is having some mental health problems, perhaps resulting from a degree of dementia. If that is the case having a word with her GP would be the best starting place. GP may refer for further assessment and appropriate support, there may be several options. Going into a home is usually a last resort .
The other alternative may be that she is having some mental health problems, perhaps resulting from a degree of dementia. If that is the case having a word with her GP would be the best starting place. GP may refer for further assessment and appropriate support, there may be several options. Going into a home is usually a last resort .
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