Hello everyone,

As the COVID-19 crisis continues and visitors are still not allowed into your communities to see their loved ones, we thought some of your residents who may be feeling especially lonely or depressed at this time might benefit from this great free service offered by the Institute on Aging—the Friendship Line!

https://www.ioaging.org/services/all-inclusive-health-care/friendship-line

TOLL FREE – 800.971.0016

The Institute on Aging’s 24-hour toll-free Friendship Line is the only accredited crisis line in the country for people aged 60 years and older, and adults living with disabilities. They also make on-going outreach calls to lonely older adults. They created the only program nationwide that reaches out to lonely, depressed, isolated, frail and/or suicidal older adults. Their trained volunteers specialize in offering a caring ear and having a friendly conversation with depressed older adults.

And here’s a great story you may have seen in the news:

https://www.bbccom/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-52303859

If your residents are feeling restless and are looking for a way to help others in the community during this crisis, consider starting a fundraiser to raise money for your local food bank or frontline healthcare workers like Captain Tom Moore of the U.K. did! Residents can ask family and friends (using email, phone or video conferencing, of course) to sponsor them as they take turns walking laps around the courtyard over the course of a week or 2, or doing other activities—be creative! Many of your communities have websites and Facebook pages where you can post updates for family and friends to see and cheer on their loved ones. Give it a try, and let us know how it goes!

Have a great week!