Published On 8/23/2018
Good Neighbors is a private, membership-based nonprofit organization that connects older members of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill to local resources to help them continue living autonomously in their own homes. Its aim is to empower and assist local seniors who may otherwise end up in retirement communities for lack of support at home, giving members, aged 60 and older, access to social events, exercise groups, volunteer helpers, referrals and neighborhood discounts.
Seniors are a growing segment of the population, but services are lagging behind. In part, ageing and growing frail has been regarded as vaguely shameful and therefore not to be discussed in polite company. Hidden behind well-meaning HIPPA and other privacy rules are in fact many disturbing surprises and difficulties built into the system that become apparent only when someone is less capable of advocating on one’s own behalf. As we learn of these practices, we can provide guidance that strengthens resilience and cont