As neighbors, we often notice when an elderly person nearby could use a helping hand. Perhaps the condition of their home or their personal circumstances suggest they need extra care and support. Here are 10 meaningful ways to assist an aging neighbor and help them thrive while continuing to live independently in their homes.
With 55.8 million Americans aged 65 and older, chances are you’ll encounter a senior neighbor—whether next door or just down the street. Many seniors prefer to “age in place,” which often requires managing the upkeep of their homes.
Over time, you might observe subtle changes. A once-pristine lawn might go untrimmed, bushes left overgrown, or regular yard maintenance skipped entirely. In more concerning situations, unpaid utility bills could result in service disruptions, or you may notice a senior struggling with safe driving.
By recognizing these signs and offering support, you can play a vital role in helping your elderly neighbors maintain their independence and quality of life.
1. Provide an Introduction
Scenarios like these encourage neighbors with goodwill to act. They may wonder how to approach the senior, considering bringing up the topic of aging is awkward. The first step a neighbor should take is to introduce or reintroduce themselves to the older adult.
2. Exchange Contact Information
Learn about the senior’s family and caregivers. Exchange contact information in case the aging person requires emergency assistance. Knowing someone is looking out for the senior can provide the individual and their family with invaluable peace of mind, especially if the family lives far away.
3. Pay Regular Visits
Seniors are at risk for loneliness and social isolation, whether due to immobility or other health condition. Pay the older neighbor regular visits to ease their isolation and check on their well-being. Stop for a friendly chat when getting the mail or seeing the senior sitting on the porch.
Especially if the older adult hasn’t picked up their mail or newspapers are scattered on their driveway, it’s important for concerned neighbors to check in with them. Give them a call or stop by in person. Social interaction is incredibly meaningful to the elderly.
4. Help with Errands
Immobility and health conditions, like arthritis and fatigue, make it difficult for seniors to complete everyday tasks. When heading to the grocery store, neighbors might offer to pick up a few essentials for the senior. Older adults appreciate small gestures like this immensely.
5. Prepare Meals
Homecooked food is savored by people of all ages, seniors included. Thoughtful neighbors preparing a meal might cook a little extra to deliver to the aging adult next door. Cooking meals can be a hassle for some seniors. This act of kindness provides ease and brightens their day.
6. Help with Home Maintenance
A burned-out lightbulb on the porch needs replacing. Neighbors who notice might offer to replace it and help with other home maintenance tasks. When heavy snow falls in winter, shovel the sidewalk to make life easier and safer for the senior. Likewise, in autumn, rake the leaves.
7. Provide Transportation
A senior’s erratic driving habits may prompt worry from observant neighbors. Rather than let them be a danger to themselves and others, offer to provide the elderly individual with transportation to the doctor’s office or stores. Or introduce them to senior ride-sharing services in the area.
8. Teach Technology
Older adults may not yet have caught up with the latest advancements in technology. Tech-savvy neighbors can provide valuable instruction on how to download apps to a tablet, use smartphone features, or even add or delete photos to their devices.
9. Prevent Scams
Swindlers are continuously on the lookout for potential victims and seniors are prime targets for fake sweepstakes and government official scams, among others. Prevent an elderly neighbor from becoming a victim to scam by offering to help them decide if an opportunity is legitimate or fraudulent.
10. Connect Them with Resources
An aging neighbor is likely to benefit from community resources that serve the senior population. Introduce them to the local senior book club, day center, or senior center. Veterans’ programs support older vets and senior fitness classes boost aging adults’ strength and flexibility.
Neighbors might also provide the senior with information on the Area Agency on Aging, which provides various supports to the elderly who choose to reside at home. Similarly, recommend home care agencies that friends or other family members have used with satisfaction.
How to Help Seniors in DuPage County
Many seniors have experienced falls, become housebound, or faced challenges getting outside. When was the last time you saw your neighbor? Is their mail or trash piling up? Are the blinds always drawn?
If you’re concerned about someone’s well-being in DuPage County, there are resources available to help. You can request a well-being check through the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office via their R911 Guardian program, or contact your local police department’s non-emergency number. Additionally, 211 DuPage offers information and support to connect you with services for well-being checks.
Here’s how you can take action:
1. R911 Guardian Program:
The DuPage County Sheriff’s Office offers a free call system to check on residents’ well-being. You can contact them to enroll in the program and set up regular check-in calls.
2. Local Police Department:
If you have specific concerns or are unsure about the best course of action, contact the non-emergency number of the local police department and explain your situation. They may be able to conduct a wellness check.
3. 211 DuPage:
This service can provide information on various resources and support services, including those that offer well-being checks for seniors or individuals in need. You can dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to TXT211 (898211) to reach a trained contact specialist.
4. DuPage Senior Citizens Council (DSCC):
DSCC offers well-being checks as part of their services, particularly for seniors. You can inquire about their services and eligibility criteria.
5. DuPage County Health Department:
If you have concerns about environmental health issues related to your well, you can file a complaint through the department’s online complaint form.
Elderly Home Care from Assisting Hands
Well-intentioned neighbors are extremely helpful to seniors in need. However, it’s important that these compassionate individuals avoid burning themselves out. Instead, suggest professional caregivers from a reputable home care agency that the senior can rely on to help them manage everyday affairs.
Assisting Hands Home Care is one such home care agency that fulfills the non-medical needs of seniors who choose to age in place. We offer a comprehensive range of elder care services in Hinsdale, Burr Ridge, Darien, Downers Grove, La Grange, Oak Brook, and the surrounding communities — all designed to promote the care recipient’s independence and support their decision to remain at home.
Compassionate caregivers take some of the load off neighbors. We shop for fresh groceries, prepare nutritious meals, and serve beverages to ensure seniors eat right and stay hydrated. Caregivers socialize with the elderly at mealtimes to encourage them to eat more and maintain a healthy weight.
Responsibilities include help with hygiene tasks, such as bathing, toileting, and grooming. Our care helps seniors look and feel their best. Light household chores keep the older person’s home clean and comfortable. Caregivers give timely medication reminders and provide transport to the doctor’s office.
Care options are flexible and customized to meet the unique needs of aging care recipients. Our care plans can be modified as care needs change over time. Plus, each caregiver is licensed, bonded, and insured to give seniors, families, and caring neighbors peace of mind.
When your elderly neighbor could use extra support at home, suggest Assisting Hands Home Care. We serve Hinsdale, Illinois, area seniors with dedication. Call us at (630) 407-1932 to schedule a free in-home consult today to learn how our in-home care services can be of value to the older person in your life.
