Connecting again with elders in our community: A project to stay together during COVID-19 restrictions and beyond

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Published: Jun 3, 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26443/ijwpc.v8i2.305
Keywords:
COVID-19, Telehealth, Social connection, Elders

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Sonia Berkani
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3151-6862
Syeda Bukhari
Soham Rej
Paola Lavin

Abstract

COVID-19 government regulations resulted in increased social isolation, risk of stress, depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and re-hospitalization. Telehealth has been highlighted as a potential bridge for healthcare needs, especially in the COVID-19 context. In response to this need our group developed a multicultural, intergenerational, community-based psychosocial intervention. We trained more than 300 volunteers who were able to provide friendly phone support in more than 17 languages to more than 600 older adults across the Greater Montreal Area who could benefit from social connection and support to access community resources. The experience has been heartwarming and facilitating enriching life experiences for seniors, volunteers, and clinicians alike. Furthermore, some preliminary observations suggest that this intervention might have positive effects on the seniors’ mental health.

Article Details

How to Cite
Berkani, S., Bukhari, S., Rej, S., & Lavin, P. (2021). Connecting again with elders in our community: A project to stay together during COVID-19 restrictions and beyond. The International Journal of Whole Person Care, 8(2), 7–11. https://doi.org/10.26443/ijwpc.v8i2.305
Issue
Vol. 8 No. 2 (2021): The weight of words in whole person care
Section
Case Studies/Narratives
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Author Biographies

Sonia Berkani

GeriPARTy Research Group, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC

 

 

Syeda Bukhari

GeriPARTy Research Group, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC

Soham Rej

GeriPARTy Research Group, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC

Paola Lavin

GeriPARTy Research Group, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC

Douglas Mental Health Research Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC

References

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