Inspiring Ways To Check In On Your Neighbour

Neighbour Day is a golden reminder for us to check in on the care of the elderly or those living with disability around our neighbourhoods!

© Danielle Robertson Consulting Pty Ltd t/as DR Care Solutions

What is Neighbour Day?

The creation of such a joyous-sounding day, Neighbour Day, stems from the very sad story of 75-year-old Melbourne resident, Mrs Elsie Brown, found in her home two years after her death^[1].

In response, broadcaster and social commentator, Andrew Heslop, founded and managed Neighbour Day in his spare time. In 2014, Relationships Australia became its custodian^[2].

While Andrew admits that it is almost impossible to prevent people from dying alone in their own home, he’s determined that we, as a community, “give those who do, dignity and respect by ensuring they are not left undiscovered for weeks, months or even years.”^[3]

Disconnected lives

Sadly, we live in a disconnected world and as our population ages, the stories of elderly people passing and left undiscovered for years continue to haunt us though news channels^[4].

People readily jump in their car or order online rather than walk our streets. If they walk the streets, they are often plugged to their phones. Sometimes it seems employed gardeners, tradespeople and delivery drivers are the only signs of human life in a home frontage.

Take the first step and connect your neighbourhood

We all hold the power to change this and create community so this Neighbour Day, on Sunday 31 March 2024, no matter how unengaged you’ve been in the past, be bold and take the first step to introduce yourself to your neighbour. If you’ve already done so, reconnect.

I have done this over the last few years. We have an older Australian living on the same floor in our apartment block. We check in with each other on a regular basis.

So knock on the door of your neighbour and offer your phone number. If they are reclusive, respect their privacy and place a note in their mailbox. Consider using the Calling Card and Connection templates^[5] created by Relationships Australia.

Look for warning signs

On an ongoing basis, be aware of your neighbours and look out for any warning signs that their wellbeing may be in danger. 

For instance:

• Is a neighbour’s mailbox jammed with letters and advertising material and not being cleared?

• Are unopened newspapers or free community magazines lying around the home entrance?

• Are blinds and curtains permanently drawn or do they move each day?

• Are lights permanently on during the night?

• Are previously well-attended pot plants or front lawns being left unwatered and dying?

• Has their car not moved in weeks?

• Have you seen them ‘come and go’ and if not, just knock on the door as it’s hard to recognise these pointers above in an apartment block.

One strategy I take is to inform my neighbours of when I’ll be away for more than a week. This interaction has magically led to them doing the same. There’s also the sharing of stories around the reasons for our breaks – be it a family occasion, the care of a family member or a holiday – and on our return.

Other countries building community

On researching Neighbour Days throughout the world, it’s surprising to learn that the United States has a national holiday on 28 September to celebrate National Good Neighbour Day.

After lobbying by the community-minded Becky Mattson of Lakeside, Montana, the national day was introduced in 1978 by President Jimmy Carter with the following words (of Proclamation 4601):

“As our Nation struggles to build friendship among the peoples of this world, we are mindful that the noblest human concern is concern for others. Understanding, love and respect build cohesive families and communities. The same bonds cement our Nation and the nations of the world.

For most of us, this sense of community is nurtured and expressed in our neighborhoods where we give each other an opportunity to share and feel part of a larger family…I call upon the people of the United States and interested groups and organizations to observe such day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”[6]

Go say hello to your neighbour and strengthen our nation!

Need help caring for a loved one? Please feel free to call me, Danielle Robertson, at any time for an initial discussion on how to set up the right care, support and assistance at the right time and in the right place.

Resources

^[1] The Age: Shut Away & Forgotten, Elsie Brown Died Alone
^[2] Relationships Australia: Neighbours Every Day - Create Belonging | Share Belonging
^[3] ABC News: Know Your Neighbour
^[4] One of many reports in the last decade:- The Sydney Morning Herald: Natalie Wood - The Woman Sydney Forgot
^[5] Relationships Australia: Neighbours Every Day - Resources to Create & Share Belonging Every Day
^[6] National Good Neighbor Day: The "Good Neighbor" Pledge