The Neighborhood Watch: Enhancing Senior Independence in Established Communities

As we age, our environments and the communities we are a part of play an increasingly significant role in our quality of life. Numerous studies have shown that tightly connected neighborhoods improve the wellbeing of older adults. However, the social fabric alone is not enough; they often need more comprehensive and tangible support. Communities can help to bridge this gap, fostering an environment where seniors can thrive and maintain their independence.

Older adults, especially those living alone, often have a deeply ingrained sense of connection to their neighborhoods. They’ve developed relationships and habits that bring comfort and stability. Friendly neighbors contribute to this sense of security, acting as an informal neighborhood watch, checking in on each other, and providing companionship. A teen might mow the lawn or shovel snow; another neighbor might provide a ride for an elder who can no longer drive. Neighbors check up on elders when there’s an emergency. When a senior suffers a health crisis, it is often a neighbor who contacts their adult children or the local senior services agency.

Right at Home Twin Cities franchise owner Paul Blom has a 90-year-old client whose next-door neighbor is like a grandson to her. “He comes over to check up on her and do home and yard maintenance,” says Paul. The neighbor does all sorts of tasks that are outside the range of Paul’s professional in-home caregivers. Paul adds that those informal caregiving roles are not uncommon for his clients who also have professional caregivers.

Unfortunately, not all older adults have that type of neighborly support. Paul explains that high turnover in a neighborhood can sometimes mean that seniors feel isolated.

Often, the needs of older adults can go beyond the scope of basic neighborly interaction. They may face challenges in maintaining their home, shopping for groceries, driving a car, or keeping up with their doctor’s recommendations for their health care. 

To address these challenges, neighborhoods can evolve to become age-friendly communities. An age-friendly community adapts its structures and services to be accessible to and inclusive of older people with varying needs and capacities. But becoming an age-friendly community doesn’t happen overnight. It takes effort, time, and collaboration between neighborhoods and state and local governments. And the type of infrastructure that supports senior independence may not be available when someone in your community needs it. And that’s where home care can help support older adults living independently in the homes, neighborhoods, and communities they have come to cherish.

Some communities are more organized,” Paul said. “They will have a vulnerable neighbor put out an ‘OK’ sign to let their neighbors know they are doing well.” Paul explains that can be a less intrusive way to check on a neighbor than knocking on their door every day. Paul also mentioned little free libraries and bench installations as the type of neighbor-to-neighbor infrastructure that helps foster community.

Home care can connect older adults with volunteer opportunities or community activities, whether that is through companionship or transportation. Paul’s team frequently works with the Burnsville Senior Center and Eden Prairie Senior Center to offer his clients opportunities for activity and socialization. And, as part of his assessment and intake process, he makes sure to ask about his clients’ social life, including informal caregivers in their neighborhood or church communities.

Home care services can assist with daily living tasks that may have become challenging for seniors. These can include activities such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and meal preparation. This kind of assistance can help maintain a senior’s dignity and self-esteem, while also ensuring they can live in a safe and clean environment.

Home care services often extend to housekeeping tasks as well, such as cleaning, laundry, and shopping for groceries. For seniors who no longer drive, transportation services can be a part of home care, enabling them to attend medical appointments, social events, or simply enjoy an outing.

Another significant facet of home care is companionship. Loneliness and social isolation can be significant issues for seniors, especially for those living alone. Home caregivers provide much-needed interaction and companionship, engaging seniors in conversation, games, reading, or shared hobbies.

Home care services can also offer respite care, giving family members who typically provide care a needed break. Respite care allows family caregivers to rest and recharge, reducing the risk of burnout and ensuring they can continue to provide high-quality care for their loved ones.

Lastly, home care services can serve as a critical link between seniors, their families, and healthcare providers. Caregivers can monitor a senior’s health and well-being, alerting medical professionals and family members to any changes or concerns.

While friendly neighbors provide a comforting social network for older adults, comprehensive support often requires more. As we transform our established neighborhoods into age-friendly communities, home care can ensure that seniors not only maintain their independence but also thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.