Social Media Helps Ease Seniors' Social Isolation
CONWAY — The term social distance, unknown two months ago, is now part of the national lexicon. As businesses have closed, including those serving older people, it raises the question: What impact does social isolation have on the people that use those services?
MWV Adult Day Center staff check in with guests and caregivers during the time that the Center has been closed using technology including Facetime, YouTube and Facebook. (COURTESY PHOTOS)
With Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issuing guidelines restricting visitors to long-term care facilities and closing adult day services, such as those at the MWV Adult Day Center, local organizations serving the needs of the elderly are encouraging alternative methods to stay in touch with older loved ones to mitigate isolation.
MWV Adult Day Center Director Sue Ruka, RN, Ph.D., says: “Social isolation won’t harm seniors the way COVID-19 can, but it still causes harm. Although we are coming up with creative and innovative ways to help our guests and families feel connected, I am still concerned that it may not be enough to mitigate the negative impact.
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