Dexter’s ‘Good Morning Neighbor’ phone-call program in operation

DEXTER — If you are living alone as a person 60-plus years of age or as an adult with a disability, you may feel vulnerable or frightened from time to time. Family members, whether they are siblings or adult children, are increasingly busy as they scramble to make a living and raise their children. Adult children move far away for new, life opportunities, leaving parents and siblings behind by themselves. Individuals are often completely alone.

We all need someone to care about us enough to check on us daily as to our well-being, especially if we are facing the physical and mental challenges that develop as we age or that may be present already due to a disability.

Age-Friendly Dexter, an AARP initiative, has created a daily phone-call program to help its older and disabled citizens experiencing isolation. The free and voluntary “Good Morning Neighbor” phone-call program is designed to check on the daily well-being of older adults or people with disabilities who live alone in the town of Dexter. Friendly phone calls occur each morning between 8 and 10 a.m. from people concerned about the welfare of others. The program is coordinated by Dexter’s Health and Human Services Director Jean Jacobs.

To participate in the daily “Good Morning Neighbor” phone-call program, either on a short-term or long-term basis, contact Jean Jacobs (924-7351 Ext. 17) at the Dexter Town Office for an application and more information.