For people who are isolated, the arrival of the letter carrier who brings the mail to their door may be a source of hope and a human presence. Without being a local social worker, a letter carrier may observe things incidentally, notice an abnormal situation in the home, and report it.
There are programs designed to help support seniors and break down their isolation. Letter carriers could also be asked to take on the duty of monitoring and reporting conditions they consider abnormal in places where they deliver the mail.
Something can be done in this area since letter carriers interact with people in a way by providing them with a local service. Why not use that local relationship to have them play another role?
In our organization, we often hear about watchdog programs for seniors, in which people go to seniors' homes to see that they are all right. Letter carriers could just as easily perform that function, together with other resources, when they deliver the mail. Letter carriers are an important local resource. They would be a major asset in all services provided to seniors.
Something should definitely be added to the letter carrier's function, whether it be observing what goes on, reporting things as necessary, or keeping an eye open. There may be important minor points to add to break down the isolation of vulnerable seniors and to improve the service provided to them.