Aging in Place, Together: Neighborhood Network Expands to Older Adults

Aging in place has become the goal for many older adults and their families. People want to stay in the homes and communities they know, surrounded by familiar routines and relationships. But for many, the traditional options for aging support do not match the kind of life they want to live. Moving into a facility can feel like a loss of independence. At the same time, staying at home without enough support can lead to isolation or health risks.

At GoodLife Innovations, we believe there is a better way. Our Neighborhood Network model has supported adults with disabilities for years through a blend of professional staffing, technology, and strong community ties. Now, that same model is expanding to include older adults who want to age in place with dignity, safety, and meaningful connection.

What Is the Neighborhood Network?

The Neighborhood Network is a next-generation service model that connects people in a shared geographic area to the support they need. Rather than providing care in isolated silos or through traditional facility-based programs, the Neighborhood Network delivers wraparound support directly into the homes and routines of the people it serves.

Each Network includes:

A dedicated professional support team located nearby
Technology-enabled communication through GoodLife’s iLink system
Proactive wellness checks and emergency response coordination
Community engagement and relationship-building
Shared resources to increase efficiency and responsiveness

This model was originally designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), many of whom live independently or semi-independently. Over time, the success of the model led us to a natural next step: expanding these supports to meet the needs of aging adults.

Why Expand to Older Adults?

Older adults and people with disabilities often share similar needs. Both groups benefit from accessible homes, reliable support, and the ability to stay close to the people and places they love. Both are vulnerable to gaps in service, and both are deeply impacted by staff shortages across the care industry.

We recognized that the Neighborhood Network’s core strengths — consistency, proximity, and flexibility — could offer older adults a more personalized, empowering alternative to traditional aging services. By layering support across a neighborhood rather than concentrating it in a facility, we make it possible for people to stay in their own homes longer while receiving high-quality care.

How the Model Works for Aging Adults

Imagine an older adult named Linda. She lives in a townhome she has owned for decades. Her children live nearby, but they work full time and cannot always be there to help with daily tasks or sudden needs. Linda is mostly independent, but she worries about falling or forgetting her medication.

By joining the Neighborhood Network, Linda gains access to a team of professionals who are always nearby. She has a discreet device located in her home, giving her 24/7 support at the push of a button. A support specialist checks in regularly, and Linda’s family receives updates to stay in the loop. If her needs change, the level of care adjusts accordingly — no major moves or disruptions needed.

This is the power of a layered support model. Rather than assigning a full-time caregiver to every individual, the Neighborhood Network surrounds residents with the right amount of support at the right time. It keeps costs down while keeping independence high.

Continuity of Care and Peace of Mind

One of the biggest fears families have about aging loved ones is what happens when something goes wrong. A sudden health scare, a missed appointment, or a quiet cry for help can all turn into emergencies when no one is nearby to notice.

The Neighborhood Network addresses that concern through proactive, technology-enabled care. Our teams are embedded in the same community as the people we serve, which allows for quicker response times, more personalized service, and relationships built on trust.

This approach also reduces caregiver burnout. Families remain involved, but they are no longer the sole source of support. Older adults get to maintain their autonomy, while also knowing they are never truly alone.

Designed to Grow with You

The needs of older adults change over time. What works today may need adjustment tomorrow. That is why flexibility is built into every part of the Neighborhood Network. Our support model is designed to scale up or down based on what each individual needs.

Whether someone is fully independent and just wants check-ins or needs more hands-on assistance, the model adapts without requiring a move or a major lifestyle change. This helps reduce transitions and preserve quality of life through every stage of aging.

Why This Model Matters Now

We are at a turning point in how our society supports aging adults. The demand for services is increasing rapidly as the baby boomer generation ages. At the same time, the care workforce is shrinking. Traditional solutions — including assisted living facilities and one-to-one in-home care — are no longer realistic for many families due to cost, staffing shortages, or lack of availability.

The Neighborhood Network offers a new path forward. By blending smart technology, creative staffing, and community-centered care, we are creating a sustainable support model that meets today’s needs without compromising tomorrow’s resources.