Is it common for the elderly to call 911 and hang up?

I told my mom that she was causing us bad problems by calling 911 and that they were going to start charging her $250 when the came out. That seemingly has stopped it... for now.

Since you did not mention any details with your question, children or anyone can make phony calls to 911 too, but if this elderly person has dementia, maybe you should think about disconnecting service...

Huh?! I have not heard of that, but I suppose with elders who can see, know how to use the phone ( remember how to use phone), are confused or acting out in their frustration or confusion, they could. It may take a visit from a peace officer, or reasonable facsimile, to settle things. What was the particular circumstance?

Yes, it is common. My grandmother has Alzheimer's and you wouldn't believe the calls she makes. She not only has called police to say a man was hiding in one of our toilets (this particular man has been dead for decades) and laughing at her when she uses it but she called a bank she hasn't used in 50 years and demanded to know why they stole her money and don't send her statements each month and called a 103 year old neighbor and accused her of having a 3 year old child by my grandfather who has been dead for 15 years. I have given her an old phone (the rotary dial kind) to do her calling with. It is not plugged in. She still calls people and carries on a discussion even though no one is there and it solved the problem. Put the real phone out of reach.

Where I live the police have to investigate every 911 call. I mean come in and look around. If you have too many of those false calls, you have to pay a fine. I wish I could think of something you could do to give your loved one a fake phone.

Yes.

yes my husband has tried it usually when he is really I watch him now and he has been much better

Yes. Unfortunately we are experiencing this issue since my mom went to a personal care home. The only thing that happens is that they have to verify a true emergency. If your loved one is still at home, not sure how you could stop this but in answer to your question, I believe it happens often.