Neighborhood help: New association provides better support for older people!

Neighborhood help: New association provides better support for older people!

More and more older people want to live in their familiar surroundings. The needs of this generation are the focus of a new approach. The aim is to ensure support through neighborhood help that both offers practical help and combats loneliness. A recently carried out model project, which was initiated at the suggestion of the Hessian state government, identified the essential needs in this area.

The model project with the title “Being CLOSE – Neighborly Help in Everyday Life and in the Home of Older People” was carried out at the Institute for Economics, Work and Culture (IWAK) at the Goethe University in Frankfurt. It was financially supported by the Hessian Ministry for Family, Senior Citizens, Sport, Health and Care and the Hessian nursing care funds. The results of this project illustrate the need for professionalization of neighborhood support associations in order to shape generational change in these organizations.

Professionalization of neighborhood assistance

A new structure was created: The Hessian State Association of Neighborhood Help was founded as the first of its kind in the country. At the final event of the project, the results were presented and responsibility was handed over to the new regional association. The foundation is led by Dr. Christa Larsen and Dr. Stefan Ekert is seen as a milestone for the social infrastructure for older people.

Minister Diana Stolz emphasized the immense importance of neighborhood assistance for the social participation of older people. Traugott Arens, Chairman of the Bad Nauheim Neighborhood Aid, emphasized the advantages of networking and the professional development of support structures. Thomas Eymann, Chairman of the Oberer Rheingau Neighborhood Aid, agreed and pointed out the urgency of actively supporting the generational change in the associations.

A wide range of offers to provide relief

Neighborhood assistance includes numerous services ranging from household chores to social activities. Volunteers are now available in many cities and communities to offer support. This includes tasks such as laundry, errands, gardening and cleaning help. These offers are particularly important for older people who need help in everyday life, as well as for families who are looking for relief during vacation times.

Neighborhood assistance services can be used regularly or as needed, for example for visits to the doctor and visits to the authorities. Activities such as shared walks or board games are also offered to prevent social isolation. The first contact usually takes place by telephone, followed by a personal information interview in which the scope, time intervals and financing questions are clarified. Committed citizens can also offer such services in city districts or through church care services.

This support promotes independent living and living for older people or people with limited mobility. The new structures, which aim to establish professionalization offerings by 2027, promise significant relief for the younger generation as well. Professor Bernhard Brüne from Goethe University emphasizes that these measures will also benefit the younger generation.

With a total of more than 4,500 volunteers working in this area, neighborhood support becomes a pillar of a vibrant social infrastructure for older people who want to continue to be part of the community.