When a Palos Park woman lost her husband of 50 years, her family worried about her adjusting to life alone. Living in a small town where her children couldn’t check on her daily, they contacted the Palos Park Police Department and asked if she could join their “You Are Not Alone” program.
Officers began visiting regularly, providing not just a safety check but companionship—offering her family peace of mind and her a connection to her community.
With subfreezing temperatures in the immediate forecast, programs like “You Are Not Alone” and “Senior Check” are more critical than ever. For nearly 20 years, the Palos Park Police Department has supported its senior residents, particularly those living alone, during emergencies and extreme weather. Officers conduct wellness visits, assist with errands, and help seniors navigate challenges ranging from power outages to isolation.
“We’ve been doing this for a good number of years now,” said Chief Joe Miller. “We have a large senior population, and a lot of them have lived here their whole lives. They love the small-town atmosphere, but that often means they’re living alone after their kids have moved away.”
The programs include weekly check-ins as part of officers’ regular patrol duties. However, in cases of extreme weather, such as freezing temperatures or heat waves, the frequency ramps up. “Whether it’s extreme cold or an electricity outage, we make sure our most vulnerable residents are okay,” Miller said.
The initiative has become so deeply ingrained in the department’s operations that it’s part of officer training. “This is just part of what we do,” Miller said. “We’re out there anyway, and this gives us an opportunity to check on people who might need extra help.”
While the programs focus on safety, they’ve also helped build trust between residents and officers. “A lot of people are apprehensive at first—they don’t want the government involved in their lives,” Miller said. “But over time, they get to know the officers. They invite us in for coffee, share stories, or even make us dinner. It’s just about building trust.”
Miller recounted how these visits often go beyond their intended purpose. “What starts as a five-minute wellness check can turn into a 45-minute conversation,” he said. “We talk about everything—politics, the weather, whatever’s on their mind. Sometimes they just need someone to listen.”
The department also relies on community members to help identify seniors who might need assistance. “We get referrals from neighbors, family members, or even the village hall,” Miller said. “Neighbors might notice someone hasn’t picked up their mail, or a family member might call us from out of town to say they’re worried about grandma. That’s when we step in.”
Officers have even gone beyond their normal duties to help with everyday challenges. Miller shared examples of officers assisting seniors with car trouble, picking up groceries, or teaching them how to navigate online platforms for paying bills. “It’s really about being there for them however we can,” he said.
Miller also noted that these programs can inspire other communities. “A lot of places do similar things, but it really starts by just showing up—going to senior group meetings or being invited to the library to talk about police programs. From there, it grows,” he said.
For residents in Palos Park, the “You Are Not Alone” and “Senior Check” programs are more than safety measures—they’re lifelines, offering physical and emotional support to those who need it most.
For more information about the programs, contact the Palos Park Police Department at 708-671-3771.
They keep EVERYONE safe, not just us old coots.