In a community-wide effort to keep seniors from becoming isolated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Skokie is continuing a program promoting weekly connections with its most vulnerable population.
Skokie Human Services staff have created a new resource program for residents age 65 and over designed to provide a safe haven for seniors to lessen their isolation during the pandemic, especially during the winter months, said Ann Tennes, director of marketing and communications in the village.
“It’s a very important program for this population,” Tennes said. “It’s a way that the village of Skokie Health and Human Services staff can establish connections with Skokie seniors who are needing support, to provide that support in the best way they can.”
The program helps seniors develop technical skills and provides training on how to use a computer and video conferencing platforms like Zoom. It also organizes phone conversations with village staff and volunteers on local and world news. Home visits can also be arranged when necessary, and seniors can receive care packages with directory information, toiletries, non-perishable foods and more, Tennes said.
She said that about 200 seniors have signed up for the program and that the list is growing as the village publicizes the program.
In-home visits are still being conducted on a very limited, case-by-case basis, with most of the interaction via phone, Tennes explained. Care packages are dropped off, with staff calling the senior upon arrival and leaving when the package has been retrieved. While not an in-person visit, this process at least affords the senior and staff member a chance to see each other and wave, she said.
“The community has responded just wonderfully to the promotions over the last couple of weeks by donating,” Tennes said.
Those donations include toiletries, holiday pins, soaps, non-perishable foods, energy bars, journals, coffee and books, among other things, said Tennes.
“It’s a wide variety of nice little gifts and tokens that would brighten anyone’s day, but particularly a senior who may be so isolated and tired during this time that’s uncertain for so many,” she said.
A 98-year-old Skokie resident signed up for the program and that at one point someone helped her set up her computer camera so she could take part in Zoom calls.
“This woman has become very involved in the initiative in that she has a weekly check-in,” Tennes said. “She has told staff wonderful stories about her life. She has pictures of her grandfather … and other family. These are really beautiful historic photos.”
Tennes said those personal connections are vital during this time.
“Having this regular connection with staff from the village’s Health and Human Services Department has, I can imagine, been very meaningful in her life,” she said.
Students at St. Joan of Arc School also donated artwork to the program.
“This aspect benefits both the seniors and the children, who learn that community service and supporting others is important by simple acts of kindness,” said Tennes.
Brian L. Cox is a freelance reporter.
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