Successful Caring Neighbors program in Douglas County

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with Douglas County Social Services continue to offer the new program called “Caring Neighbors” that began in January 2017.

Trained Douglas County Sheriff’s Office volunteers, known as Citizen Patrol who have completed background checks, uniformed and trained can call or visit senior clients who live in Douglas County.

The program was designed to let the seniors of Douglas County know that they are not alone, cared about, and an integral part of the community. It is well established that people live longer when they have friends and connections in the community, and live healthier lives. Friendships are central to human relationships and those interactions sometimes become less with seniors, which could result in depression.

It is important during aging to have people around you to support and engage you, and this program does a portion of that. Referrals to the program can be made by the senior themselves, or a neighbor, relative, friend, or an emergency responder such as a fireman or sheriff’s deputy. The referral will be followed up on and consent is required by the senior client.

The initial visit and interview is done by Sgt. Bernadette Smith and DCSO Citizen Patrol volunteer Claudia Lowe, a picture is taken of the client, and important information is inserted into the computer. Since the program’s inception, about 32 clients have signed up.

A few of the clients are on hospice or in wheelchairs and are restricted from some activities. Citizen Patrol tries to fill in and help with some needs. A client asked for assistance in some spring de-cluttering, and three Citizen Patrol members assisted the client with cleaning out a room with the client supervising the “Donate, Throw-Away and Keep event.” The client was happy with the results. Another client during a visit said she had never attended the local senior lunch offered by the DC Senior Center because she did not know anyone. The client’s new found friend, her Caring Neighbor/Citizen Patrol offered to meet her there and together they enjoyed the experience of meeting new friends and learning about the Senior Center’s activities.

One of the Caring Neighbors volunteers, named Emmy Rowe writes letters to the clients, and sends birthday cards. The Silent Generation (1920-1945) relied heavy on written communication delivered by the US mail, and so the program reaches out to them through letter writing in addition to calls.

Caring Neighbors volunteers are knowledgeable in county resources and can educate their clients on Meals on Wheels, DART, or other services available. The volunteers simply want to help those who have worked a career, raised families and contributed greatly during their earlier years, and are now slowing down. The senior clients may need a friend, an advocate, or simply a listening ear. Douglas County wants seniors in our community to know that they are valued and not forgotten. Fred Rousch, a retired law enforcement officer who retired to Douglas County, joined Citizen Patrol in 2016, and assists Caring Neighbors clients with some household needs. After the particular challenging task was completed, the senior client started to get emotional and said “You all are my angels, thank you.”

If you would like this free service, or know of someone who would benefit from this program, please call Douglas County Social Services (775)782-9825.