Even before the outbreak of COVID-19 caused mass social distancing — keeping friends and family members apart for the sake of their health — many seniors felt isolated, particularly those living in nursing homes and assisted living communities. For those who were already lonely or isolated, things are likely to get worse in the months ahead, as caregivers find themselves overwhelmed and strained, and as social distancing recommendations continue. In this episode, we explore some things friends and family can do to make sure seniors are not only healthy, but also make sure they avoid falling into despair. We also highlight the Circle of Friends program that aims to connect seniors via weekly meetings. Circle of Friends is a collaboration between Community Health in Partnership (CHIPS) and the St. Louis Housing Authority.
St. Louis on the Air