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Loneliness Social Isolation
Resource Center
Older Adults experienced loneliness and social isolation before COVID, but now it is more prevalent. Did you know that loneliness and social isolation have health risks? Per the CDC, social isolation was associated with about a 50% increased risk of dementia and other serious medical conditions. Loneliness is the feeling of being alone, regardless of the amount of social contact. Social isolation is a lack of social connections. Social isolation can lead to loneliness in some people, while others can feel lonely without being socially isolated. Risk Factors for Loneliness and Social Isolation in Older Adults: Social: Living alone, loss of significant other, family separation, few friends, being a caregiver for a spouse Psychological: Depression, anxiety, and/or dementia Physical: Poor health, serious illness, decreased mobility, and loss of independence Economic: Limited financial resources Logistical: Loss of driver’s license or lack of transportation This is a real problem that older adults face. So, what can we do now that we know the risks of loneliness and social isolation? Our Masonic Family can help in the following ways: • • •
Utilize your Masonic Volunteer Committees to make visits, take meals, make phone calls, send cards, or help with transportation. If you don’t have a volunteer committee, let’s get one started! Contact your local Community Outreach Coordinator, and they can reach out and get them connected to the right resources in their community. Lodges can put together widow’s luncheons, provide care packages to shut-ins, and provide transportation to lodge meetings. By working together in partnership, we can make a difference in older adult's lives, and in turn, they will impact your life as well. “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others” -Audrey Hepburn
The Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center
The Resource Center is an extension of The Ohio Masonic Home. We offer a Call Center that connects clients to services, whether they live on one of our campuses, in another facility, or their own home. With six Community Outreach Coordinators located throughout the state, we can help clients clinically, financially, and socially, if they are a Mason, the wife or widow of a Mason, an Ohio Eastern Star member, or even a non-Mason. We do this by providing information and connecting clients to resources in their area. We make referrals and complete home visits to better assess our clients’ needs. We also give and receive support financially through our Foundation. Did you know that we have a financial assistance program that can help with emergency health and safety needs? Our off-site financial assistance program can also help pay for longer term needs like private duty home care to help people stay at home, or assisted living, including memory care, for those that qualify. Contact us for more information (877-881-1623). We also offer a Bereavement Program, a Masonic Volunteer Program, and the Masonic Youth Outreach Program.
10 SPRING 2022
