Loneliness During and Beyond the Pandemic
Loneliness is a real concern for the elderly community in more normal times. When the pandemic began, life shifted to a virtual realm. But many seniors were behind the curve without the knowledge or technology to log-in and connect through an electronic device. More recently, this cabin fever and isolation have been exacerbated with the combined whammy of the Delta variant and endlessly smoky skies.
Seniors In Service, a local non-profit, has been using a grant to provide tablets to elderly people in need in our community, free of charge. Program Coordinator Hannah Sweeney recently graduated with a Master’s in social work from the University of Nevada, Reno, and has been running the program for about a year now.
“I think the world shifted so quickly to this virtual space,” explained Sweeney “and I think some folks don’t have that knowledge yet on how to attend doctor’s appointments virtually.”
She has heard stories about deep isolation throughout the elderly community, of people feeling disconnected from communities, and losing access to senior centers and community space. She believes this has drastic impacts on mental and physical health.
”I just think that COVID-19 really exemplified that and put this heightened awareness about the isolated seniors,” explained Sweeney. She sees the benefits of the program expanding beyond the timeframe of the pandemic. With proper access, and when they get better at navigating social media, many isolated seniors can create new connections and get help from mutual aid groups and others.
“We are distributing tablets to isolated seniors,” explained Sweeney. This program is focused on providing tablets to people who live alone and were forced to isolate themselves during the height of the pandemic. Since the program’s inception, Sweeney says they have passed out 815 tablets to seniors in the community.
“Saved” by a Tablet
Any Nevada resident over the age of 60 is eligible to apply for a tablet. The purpose of the tablets allow the elderly access to socialization in a virtual setting. In addition, people can access medical appointments via tele-health, shopping, and even setting up food deliveries. “Just really increasing the quality of life through the pandemic,” said Sweeney.
The tablets offer a wide variety of connectivity to social, shopping, medical, and entertainment applications, all of which help fight off loneliness and the dread of isolation.
“I had one woman and she mentioned that without the tablet she wouldn’t have been able to order food throughout the whole pandemic,” said Sweeney. It was her main source of nutrition for her body due to isolation. Sweeney remarked that the woman said the the tablet saved her.
However, as COVID cases and hospitalizations are both on the rise, Sweeney is worried about the program waning and losing funding. The initial funding came from the CARES Act passed last year, which flooded the economy with relief money. “Fingers crossed that there is a future,” said Sweeney. The organization applied for another grant to keep the program running. However, she does not know whether or not they have received it but remains hopeful as she has seen first hand the value the tablets bring to the community.
Training and Empowerment Offered
Through the program, Sweeney also offers training on how to use the devices in various ways. The organization provides access to online resources as well as a guidebook to the tablet themselves. These hands-on instructions help overcome the frustration that technology is so apt at causing. “I also help train and I really like that aspect of the program,” said Sweeney
Additionally, the program was able to offer wireless internet stipends to those who needed it the most. Eligible seniors received a total of $120 deposited into their wireless account.
Moving forward, the program may be on the chopping block if it does not receive more funding, but lessons are being learned for future initiatives.
“I just think that it’s a very important program and that giving seniors and elders in our community that connection that they so desperately need is essential and empowering,” said Sweeney “and empowering our community as a whole.”