Dignity and respect vs safety

Edna is fiercely proud and independent, and is intensly worried about losing control over life. So despite the key safe (and the fact that she always leaves her door propped open when she is in 'just in case' I have still buzzed her flat for her to open the front door to me. I did that today - and by the time I had got to the flat she had fallen on the floor getting back from the door button to her chair. I should have pulled the cord to get help for her - but that would have brought the paramedics automatically. She insisted she could get up by herself - and actually DID manage to get up very painfully and slowly. So I haven't told anyone - but I think I should. But if I do she will be mad at me 'for making a fuss'

But I do respect her right to make her own decisions. She isn't mentally incompetent. I don't want to take away all her control over her life - because she less she does, the less she will be able to do. But how far can I let that compromise her safety? And was I right to beleive her when she said she was OK. Lots of questions - an no answers

But I have made it plain in future I won't be buzzing her to open the door.

On the plus side, Edna has jmped on the idea that next Thursday I will take her out to do her own shopping. I wonder if it will actually happen.

I have read the care plan and now knw there will have to be review after 28 days. I guess that is when they will start delving into her financial affairs to assess what she is entitled to. If the free care stops, will she be willing to pay for care to continue?

I still have far more questions than answers, still have no real idea how all this is going to turn out, and what if any input I will need to have. Hopefully none on a regular basis.

I could sit here all day looking at 'what if' situations. reality is all I can do is wait and see how things turn out. But reality doean't me feel happy.