Minnesota Nonprofits Boost Programs to Combat Senior Isolation During COVID-19 Pandemic

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that Minnesota nonprofits are moving more programs and services online to counter senior isolation during the pandemic. Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly has expanded statewide for the first time this year, training volunteers to call and check in with older adults, as well as deliver holiday packages to seniors. The Jewish Family Service of St. Paul also has implemented free phone calls from volunteers to seniors in long-term care communities, in addition to calling or sending gifts to Russian-speaking Holocaust survivors. Senior Community Services launched a pilot program to train its clients to navigate FaceTime, set up Hulu, or tap into online grocery delivery services. Finally, Woo Bandel with the Minnesota and North Dakota chapter of the Alzheimer's Association said his organization has shifted educational programs online and begun a virtual support group for caregivers of loved ones in long-term care communities.