I need help to find out what happened to a dear elderly friend of ours in another city...?

Question

My mother's first and last best friend lives in Palm Desert, California, a long way from us. 2,000 miles or more. She would be in her early 90's now.
I have written to her several times, and called, but her phone is now disconnected, the apt. complex says they cannot tell me anything because of privacy laws, yet my letters to her do not come back to me.
I suspect she could be in a nursing home--but we know no people in common for me to call--she has no children-- no one has contacted me either as an emergency contact--in the event she has passed away.

Does anyone know of an agency that I can call to check on her on my behalf 2,000 miles away?

I only know her name and address and approximate year of birth--no social security numbers or any other personal data, however,

Or perhaps, are there any Social Workers on YahooAnswers that are in the Palm Springs or Palm Desert area that could help me find her, or what happened to her?

I appreciate all serious replies.
Thank you.

Answer 1

Aside from a Private Investigator I would suggest googleing her name to see if she has passed on. You may want to look into finding an online resource of the death certificates for the area (sad to say but due to her age). Look in public records for anything that may help e.g Death Cert.
If you are desperate find a P.I. who specializes in finding people. You want to make sure he is licenced and bonded in the state he is working and you want references as to not get ripped off or lied to.