JABA Joins National Campaign to Raise Awareness of Local Programs to Address Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Older Adults and Caregivers

JABA is excited to participate in Home for the Holidays, a national campaign led by the Eldercare Locator and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), this year in partnership with the University of California, San Diego Center for Healthy Aging. The goal of the campaign is to ensure that older adults and their caregivers are aware of the many local resources and services available in communities around the country to turn for social engagement opportunities.

Launched every year during the holiday season, Home for the Holidays is intended to help families and friends discuss difficult topics with their loved ones. A new consumer brochure is the focus of this year’s campaign, Staying Connected and Healthy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Resources for Older Adults and Caregivers. As part of the campaign, the brochure highlights the importance of social connection, its impact on our physical and mental health—and ways the Aging Network can help older adults connect to their communities during this time of limited in-person social interactions.

“Maintaining social connections and staying mentally and physically active is key to reducing social isolation and loneliness among older adults, particularly now during the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s where JABA can step in to help,” says JABA CEO Marta Keane. "Our agency is participating in Home for the Holidays because we know how important it is for older adults to stay connected to their communities—with and without technology. The programs and services we offer directly meet this critical need.”

Print and share these brochures

Staying Connected and Healthy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Resources for Older Adults and Caregivers (English)

Staying Connected and Healthy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Resources for Older Adults and Caregivers (Spanish)

JABA at Home

It's important that we keep from feeling isolated and disconnected. That's why we'll be launching At Home with JABA, a program that will deliver phone and online monthly programing via conference calls, Zoom, and Facebook Live. There will be bingo, games, informative presentations by our JABA nurses, exercise sessions, and more. Find out how to connect and check out the December calendar of events on our At Home with JABA page.

Senior Helpline

Speak with JABA’s information and assistance counselors to get information and connect to services that meet your specific needs. For over 45 years, JABA has supported older adults and caregivers. Let us connect you to resources that help you or a loved one age well. Call 434.817.5253.

JABA Operations Updates to Keep Our Community Safe

The latest information about JABA's programs and services during the Covid-19 pandemic, plus community resources to stay safe and informed.

Eldercare Locator

Find help in your community by entering your zip code OR city and state.

JABA FISH Mentoring program continues online

The Central Virginian - The coronavirus has changed everything, not only students’ needs but also how the program operates as it moves to a virtual format, said Winter Broadhurst, JABA volunteer services coordinator.

“We know that kids are very adaptable, but they also need consistency and routine, and this year, so much has changed for them – everything from how they do school to how they socialize,” she said.

Because of the pandemic, mentors and students cannot meet in person, but FISH is continuing its mission online. Broadhurst acknowledges that moving to a virtual format may present access challenges for families without a strong enough internet connection to support video calls, citing phone mentoring as a potential solution.

Moving to a virtual format has changed how the mentors and students meet, but hasn’t changed the overall goal of the program.

Broadhurst says they consider the mentor’s schedule, subject and grade-level preferences, interests, and specialized skills such as languages.

“If I know that a student enjoys painting, and I have a mentor that enjoys painting, I’ll take that into consideration,” Broadhurst said. “It’s a great way to start building a mentor-mentee relationship over a shared connection like that.” Read more…

JABA Operations Update & At Home with JABA Launch

In July 2020, JABA moved into a Phase 3 Re-Opening Plan, which involved a gradual return to our on-site centers. As we cautioned back then, the reopening plan was contingent upon steady COVID-19 case numbers, with no severe spikes in cases or concerns. While our health district has had low numbers of cases and positivity percentages for the last month, we are seeing small increases in both in some areas. In an abundance of caution, we are making some changes, again. It is important that we stay ahead of any surge so that everyone is safe and healthy. Check out our Covid-19 Resource page to find out how this will effect our on-site centers and preschool.

At the same time, it's important that we keep from feeling isolated and disconnected. That's why we'll be launching At Home with JABA, a program that will deliver phone and online monthly programing via conference calls, Zoom, and Facebook Live. There will be bingo, games, informative presentations by our JABA nurses, exercise sessions, and more. Find out how to connect and check out the December calendar of events on our At Home with JABA page.

Special message from JABA CEO, Marta Keane: We need your help now more than ever

We are living through unprecedented times. It is easy to get overwhelmed by uncertainty and fear. We want to get back to our old lives rather than continually adjust to the new normal. But some things remain the same, constant, and profound – chiefly our love for family, friends, and trusted colleagues. Because, deep down, it is all about feeling a connection.

JABA is on the front lines in the battle to keep COVID-19 from risking the lives of our precious senior citizens. We are innovating every day to find ways to connect elders to services and activities that help them stay safe, healthy, active, and engaged with other people. The photo below of members of one of our centers meeting outdoors says it all. We do this work because – like you – we believe in community and understand the strong need we all have to connect with each other in order to survive and thrive.

The importance of connecting with others, whether virtually or safely in person, is brought home by the words of Emily Foreman, who oversees our eleven Community Senior Centers. Here she describes a recent visit with members at our center in Greene County:

"I could immediately sense how glad they were to be there. They appreciate that we have been able to give them options for connecting with other members virtually and in person. Many said that nothing beats being among friends, even at a distance and with masks. In so many ways, they are like family and take comfort from one another, which is so important during a time like this. Coming to the center gives them something to look forward to and has revived their sense of purpose."
 

It has taken every member of the JABA village to create, set up and roll out virtual – as well as greatly revised onsite – Community Senior Center programming. We are excited to offer this hybrid model to meet all the members’ needs so that they can be together in person or through technology. All of our programs have been retooled and our amazing, determined staff continue to explore new ways to connect with seniors and caregivers who are in great need of our services. But, all this comes at a cost. Your support is critical as we work to provide even more innovative services during this pandemic. Can you help us right now?

JABA helps seniors and caregivers connect to the services they need through person-centered care, which acknowledges that every individual has his or her own needs, preferences and life situation. Our staff members take the time to listen and understand. This is true for our senior helpline and options counselors who guide seniors and caregivers through difficult decisions. And it is evident every day in the Adult Care Centers, as staff care for those with dementia and disabilities. We all want to feel connected and valued. Can you lend a helping hand to a senior in need by making a generous donation today?

You may have already given this year. If so, I sincerely thank you. But, the fight to assist older adults so they can remain healthy and independent in our community during these uncertain times isn’t over. We need your help now more than ever.

Thank you for whatever you can do. Your generosity keeps us all part of a community of caring. Please stay safe and connected.

With best wishes,

Marta M. Keane
Chief Executive Officer

P.S. It has never been easier to give. Donate securely online. Your gift stays right here in central Virginia.

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Ways to Give

Donate Online:

Make a secure online donation here. Choose a one-time gift or simplify your giving through a recurring donation. We accept all major credit cards. If you prefer, you can choose an electronic transfer directly from your checking account via E-Check. A confirmation message will be sent to you when your transaction has been completed and JABA will mail an acknowledgement letter for your records.

Donate by Phone:

Call our Philanthropy Specialist at 434.817.3610 if you wish to make a credit card donation by phone or if you need assistance with the online donation form noted above. 

Donate by Mail: 

Send your check to JABA, Inc., Philanthropy & Communications Office, 674 Hillsdale Drive, Suite 9, Charlottesville, VA 22901

Memorial & Tribute Gifts:

JABA welcomes gifts that remember or pay tribute to a person of your choice. You may indicate your preference with any gift you make, whether by mail, phone or online. Use our gift form to specify your wishes.

Become a Sponsor

Our sponsorship program is year-long and designed to promote the mutually beneficial partnership between JABA and your organization to our 12,000+ constituents. Visit our Become a Sponsor page for details.

Virginia State Employees:

If you are a state employee, we welcome gifts through the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign. JABA’s CVC code is 200119.

Attention Parents: JABA's FISH Mentors are here to help!

Overwhelmed by the challenges of the school year, teachers and administrators have not been able to place all of JABA's F.I.S.H. (Friends in School Helping) Mentors with area students. But our trained FISH Volunteers are ready and waiting to virtually provide the same mentoring and academic support they have in the past.

As parents know, this kind of individual support at home is invaluable right now, but it can run upwards of $20-75 an hour. JABA's FISH program offers support free of charge. Plus, the connections that children can make with their adult mentors can last a lifetime.

"If I were to use one word to describe my experience as a FISH volunteer, I would use "connection." During these surreal Covid times, being able to read and write with my student - seeing the effort she gives, makes the experience invaluable. I am not sure who benefits more." - FISH volunteer Laura Vik

Many of our FISH Volunteers are also bilingual.

By virtue of offering mentoring and academic support virtually, children in school systems across the region can take advantage of our FISH Program. For more information and to connect their child with a FISH volunteer, parents can call 434.817.5226, email JABA Volunteer Coordinator Winter Broadhurst at wbroadhurst@jabacares.org, or request a FISH Mentor online.

Learn more about JABA's FISH Program

Isolation and COVID-19: Both a Risk for Seniors

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.