As winter approaches, Pāpāmoa Community Constable Adrian Oldham is encouraging residents to keep a closer eye on their elderly or unwell neighbours – especially those living alone.

Constable Oldham’s call comes after a recent case where an elderly woman passed away in her home and went undiscovered for more than two weeks. Police were alerted when neighbours noticed they hadn’t seen her in some time. Officers were forced to enter through a toilet window and found the woman had died of natural causes.

“Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time I’ve seen something like this,” said Oldham. “Over my time in the police, I’ve been to dozens of similar cases. In Pāpāmoa alone, I can recall at least three or four.”

Pāpāmoa Community Constable Adrian Oldham visiting Ailsa Scott. Photo / Brydie Thompson

He shared a brief mention of the recent death in the Pāpāmoa Neighbourhood Support newsletter – not to alarm, but to prompt residents to think about how they can support one another.

“I just want people to stop and think. Checking in with neighbours doesn’t have to be ‘in their face’,” said Oldham. “It could be as simple as a wave through the window, noticing if mail is piling up, or if the curtains haven’t been drawn for a few days.”

He pointed out that while such deaths aren’t frequent, they are not uncommon either – particularly among older people, or individuals living with serious illness or mental health challenges.

While Pāpāmoa beach is a long 16km stretch of eastern coastline beach from Mount Maunganui to the Kaituna River, the broader urban area of Pāpāmoa encompasses about 25.8km2, with more than 35,000 residents.

“There are people in our community battling terminal illness or living alone with little support,” said Oldham. “Sometimes, they don’t get found until a family member visits much later.”

Oldham referenced a high-profile overseas case involving actor Gene Hackman and his wife, noting how tragedies involving isolation can even affect well-known figures. “Thankfully, we don’t have those sorts of stories here – but it shows how easy it is for people to slip through the cracks.”

Ailsa Scott, 82, is greatful for the visit from Pāpāmoa Community Constable Adrian Oldham. Photo / Brydie Thompson

He suggests that residents speak openly with neighbours, especially if they know someone is unwell.

“You don’t have to be intrusive. Just let them know – ‘I understand you’re not well. I’ll keep an eye out, just wave and if I see your curtains aren’t drawn or your paper is in your drive, I’ll just knock on the door, and you can tell me to get lost, but I just want to be a good neighbour.

“Even if someone says they’re fine, I think deep down most people appreciate knowing someone is looking out for them.”

Adrian Oldham enjoys a cup of tea with Ailsa Scott. Photo / Brydie Thompson

With colder months on the way, Oldham also encourages people to consider forming or joining a local Neighbourhood Support group.

“Last month, I marked 46 years in the police,” he said. “I could write a book about all I’ve seen and dealt with over that time. The reason I still love this job after all this time; is the interaction I have with the public. I love being your local Community Constable. I enjoy getting out there and I do try my best to solve peoples’ issues.”

Oldham reminded residents that if they have serious concerns about a neighbour’s wellbeing, they can request a welfare check through the police – either online or by phone.

“You don’t need to be in someone’s face, but if we all look out for each other a little more, we can help prevent these sad situations.”