[zcaveman]

That is a very good question. My next door neighbor who lives alone was taken to the hospital one evening. I noticed his paper in the driveway the next day but did not really get concerned - although I should have. He called me from the hospital to do him a favor and get him some clothes. I have his key for when he goes on trips.

From then on, I made myself his care taker - visiting him at the hospital, driving him home, checking on him every day, driving him to the doctors, doing grocery and medicine shopping for him until he got better. I am not sure if anyone else in the neighborhood would have done it but I consider him a friend and knew that he needed help.

Now I check to see if his paper is gone by 9 AM or I call.

If you know anyone that lives alone and you know their habits, you can check and make sure that they are doing the things that they usually do and if they are not doing them, knock on their door and make sure they are okay.