by Marta M. Keane, CEO, JABA

Age in Action, Fall 2020 - All of us who serve seniors have been concerned about the impact of the virus on their health. It has been recommended that they isolate and try to limit their contacts to avoid contracting the virus. And yet, we know that isolation can also be harmful to their physical, cognitive, and emotional health. This creates a dilemma. Dr. Amaali Lokige of Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia, discussed this dilemma, stating, “The virus’ biggest threat is not virulence, it is the way it slowly erodes what it means to be human. It took away the touch and hug, social gatherings and shared meals, the delight of a smile shared with strangers.”

The Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA) believes we do not have to accept that consequence, and has begun a program for our seniors to sustain their connections during the pandemic. We have opened our adult care centers and our community senior centers, and also provide a virtual program, called JABA Community Senior Center @home. Some seniors are eager to interact and socialize, and others are reticent and will wait until a vaccine is available, and every response in-between. We are ready to address all of their needs.

The senior centers met for shorter hours initially to allow members a chance to get re-acclimated. They also met at parks with pavilions, when weather allowed, to provide another sense of safety. They continue to be guided by the principles of heart, mind, body, and community as they plan the activities. And provide a nutritious meal. The members have their temperature taken as they arrive, wear masks, remain physically distanced, and have their own packet of materials and markers. The staff have plenty of wipes and hand sanitizer.

The adult care centers have followed the same process, with some members wearing shields, as the masks are difficult for them to keep in place. The staff have disposable gowns for assisting with personal care activities. Members have made dog biscuits to donate to the local SPCA, and they enjoy participating with the Facebook Live event of Healthy Steps (evidence-based exercise program for seniors) led by a community senior center manager. We know from previous surveys of caregivers that about 70% of the time, the members’ moods are improved after a day at the center.

A vital part of our new hybrid program is continuing the virtual program for those who are not able or willing to attend the centers. The members look forward to a weekly call with a team member. And they really enjoy the weekly conference call bingo, when they can chat with the other members and enjoy a favorite activity. Sometimes, the nurse interjects an educational piece between games. And they are able to continue to receive nutritious meals, through our home-delivered meal program.

We won’t let the virus defeat us. We will continue to connect with seniors and offer our services and
support. For more information about JABA, please explore our website.

Age in Action is a quarterly published jointly by the Virginia Center on Aging and the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services. Its target audience includes professionals in the field of aging, gerontologists, geriatricians, health professionals and administrators, adult home and community professionals, and others interested in aging-related education and research in the Commonwealth of Virginia.