Interactive online platform helps overcome social isolation in older adults during COVID-19 health emergency
Join HCA Education and Research (E&R), Selfhelp Community Services and public officials on July 24 at 10:30 a.m. to see first-hand a powerful, interactive Virtual Senior Center (VSC) platform open for all home and community-based clients to enroll. Register for the webinar here.
Selfhelp has already achieved incredible outcomes offering the VSC to its own home and community-based clients. Under a grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, HCA E&R and Selfhelp are working to expand the VSC’s capabilities and invite home and community-based providers across New York State to enroll their own clientele.
What is the VSC?
The VSC enables homebound older adults to participate virtually in live classes, tour world-famous museums, interact with peers, engage in wellness activities, and, most importantly, expand their social network in a safe, secure, online environment. The platform also provides a vehicle for caregivers and providers to privately communicate with their clients to discuss, among other topics, their health and wellness. The impact on wellness is profound for clients’ social determinants of health, with specific improvements in social isolation, loneliness and depression.
Why now?
Social isolation has long afflicted older adults, and it is linked to higher physical and mental health risks. With COVID-19, this kind of social isolation has intensified exponentially under social distancing requirements, quarantine measures and the suspension or closure of many in-person support services. Learn how the VSC can help bridge this gap for patients who may be struggling with isolation.
What you will learn on July 24
During the July 24 webinar, HCA E&R, Selfhelp and partners will introduce you to the VSC, describe some of its outcomes, and outline the process for your organization to assess patients who would best benefit from the platform and get them connected to the VSC.