Older Americans Month: A big focus of JFCS Senior Services is reducing loneliness and isolation

By Roni Falck • Senior Services Manager

This May, we recognize Older American’s Month, celebrating people age 60 and over and their many contributions. At JFCS, we partner with senior clients using an individualized, person-centered approach to help them live as independently as possible for as long as possible. In addition to making sure people have the services they need – including meals, rides, and case management – we also have a dedicated focus on the need for connection. 

All clients are screened for social isolation using a helpful tool that makes it easier to assess needs and provide an opening to what at times can be a difficult subject – feelings of loneliness and isolation. Seniors are not the only demographic group experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation. However, they may encounter some additional barriers, such as difficulty with mobility, lack of transportation, and a contracting social circle, which makes responding to loneliness and isolation more difficult.

JFCS has developed a number of strategies to respond.

We’ve hosted intergenerational game nights and education programming bringing together teens and seniors, as we know these two groups experience the highest levels of loneliness and isolation. Watch for additional intergenerational programming in the fall.

We’ve expanded our Hag Sameach (Happy Holidays) gift delivery model to include extended visits for interested seniors and volunteers. Consider getting involved during our winter holiday Hag Sameach delivery.

We also have over 50 pairs of volunteers and seniors who consistently connect in person or over the phone for connection and companionship.

We would like to increase the number of senior clients we have matched with volunteers, with a dedicated focus on matching our remaining Holocaust survivors. This group of seniors face a number of barriers for connection, including lack of transportation, mobility and oftentimes language barriers.

Our goal is to match every interested survivor with a dedicated outreach visitor who would meet with the survivor for one-on-one visits at the client’s home or in destinations in the community.  Visits occur weekly or bi-weekly and can include activities both the volunteer and client enjoy, such as visiting, playing games, having coffee, lunch or seeing a movie. We have found very strong bonds and meaningful friendships have formed between clients and volunteers, many of whom are seniors themselves. 

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Dana Shapiro, Community and Volunteer Engagement Manager, at 952-417-2112 or dshapiro@jfcsmpls.org.