How kind of you to be concerned! I agree that she needs more help - someone checking on her more often. She is obviously at a stage where she could leave the stove on or do something else that could lead to disaster. Also, she could wander off and get lost. Her family means well. She no doubt says she wants to stay in her own home, so they are reluctant to move her. They do get her care at night. But, unless they can afford 24-hour in-home care, she should likely be in assisted living. The very fact that she is sociable with you and wants to chat (and you can't get her to go) makes me think she is lonely. This can make dementia worse.

Elders often fight assisted living, but once they get there, the grow to love it. The have friends and they feel safe. This becomes their home and they forget the other home. Your neighbor sounds like she's getting to that place in her dementia. As to what you can do? No much, unless you are willing to call social services for a welfare check. I'd try talking, nicely, with her family first, but that does take courage.

Carol