To combat social isolation and loneliness among older adults, the Senior Adult Community Engagement Project (SACE) at Common Ground Health is helping older adults in nursing homes know that they are not forgotten.
For two years, SACE senior volunteers have assembled and delivered “Not Forgotten” bags to nursing-home residents in our community’s most under-resourced areas. These bags include new items that seniors living on Medicaid allowances need and often do not have money to purchase, such as t-shirts, socks and personal-care items.
“Throughout our community, people in nursing homes are experiencing isolation and loneliness,” said Phyllis Jackson, R.N., community wellness project manager at Common Ground Health. “Many do not have family members or friends who visit. Many may lack socialization, joy, love or hope. These donations brighten older adults’ days, which may help improve their health.”
In Spotlight: Social Isolation and the Benefits of Intergenerational Connection released in February, Common Ground Health revealed that older adults were struggling with an increase in social isolation and loneliness, which were associated with poorer health outcomes.
The project is seeking donations of new items to distribute during the holidays. Donations are needed by Dec. 16. These items are:
- Packages of crew or knee-high cotton socks
- Packages of footie socks
- Packages of white or gray V-neck only T-shirts in medium or large
- Zippered hoodie sweatshirts or fleece jackets in medium or large
- Fragrance-free regular-sized deodorant
- Fragrance-free regular-sized lotion
- Regular-sized toothpaste
- Packs of soft toothbrushes with covers
- Combs or brushes
- Medium-sized stuffed animals
- Lap robes or quilts
- Small, colorful wall decals/posters
- Handmade or boxed mixed holiday greeting cards
Common Ground partners with schools and community groups to create holiday cards and pictures. These cards are given to residents on every major holiday throughout the year, letting these residents know others are thinking of them.
To make a donation, arrange for a pickup of items or to partner on this project, contact Phyllis Jackson at 585-957-1205 or Phyllis.jackson@commongroundhealth.org or Patricia Cathey at Patricia.Cathey@commongroundhealth.org.
Monetary donations may be made at www.commongroundhealth.org/notforgotten.
About Common Ground Health
Founded in 1974, Common Ground is the health research and planning organization for the Rochester-Finger Lakes region. We bring together leaders from health care, education, business, government and other sectors to find common ground on health challenges. Common Ground Health is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit. Learn more at commongroundhealth.org.
