Social Isolation Resources

 

Social isolation among older adults is a serious issue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one-third of adults ages 45 and older feel lonely. This group is at an increased risk of social isolation due in part to having less nearby, immediate family or a chronic illness. Many organizations have created resources to help combat this social isolation and support beneficiaries and caregivers, as well as staff members and volunteers.

Assessments

Website and Webpages

Articles

Newsletter

Handouts

Videos

Social Engagement

  • Administration for Community Living (ACL): Eldercare Locator
    • Link those who need assistance with state and local agencies on aging, as well as community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers.
  • engAGED National Resource Center:
  • Federal Trade Commission: Emergency Broadband Benefit 
    • The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Emergency Broadband Benefit.
  • Juanita C. Grant Foundation: Village Connector Experience
    • Engaging older adults impacted by COVID-19 social isolation by having trained ambassadors’ calls including other featured social distancing activities.
  • National Council on Aging (NCOA): Tools for Reaching a Remote Audience
    • This website provides an overview of some popular tools to reach out to and connect with people.
  • Senior Planet (OATS): Senior Planet
    • Senior Planet, powered by OATS (Older Adults Technology Services), harnesses technology to change the way we age. Their courses, programs, and activities help seniors learn new skills, save money, get in shape, and make new friends.
  • University of Southern California School of Social Work: Crisis Care for Adults With Cognitive Impairment
    • This resource provides strategies for families and health care professionals to help adults with cognitive impairment cope with the pandemic.
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community 
    • This advisory calls attention to the importance of social connection for individual health as well as on community-wide metrics of health and well-being, and conversely the significant consequences when social connection is lacking.