Identifying Seniors Who Are Socially Isolated or at Risk
Isolated seniors do not typically seek assistance. Identifying those who are isolated or at risk of being so, is challenging and demands broad and diverse outreach efforts.
In Britain, service providers and councils were asked how they advertised or promoted their services, and whether they worked in partnership with others (including health professionals and high-street facilities) to identify and reach people experiencing loneliness. Those consulted identified a range of strategies, techniques and ideas for finding – and then contacting – older adults who may benefit from more social support. Their ideas and recommendations have been categorized into seven broad strategies.
Edmonton Seniors Sector Outreach Worker Toolkit
Produced by the Edmonton Senior Coordinating Council, a PEGASIS partner, this toolkit provides an overview of outreach services and provides necessary background information related to working with isolated and at-risk seniors. The manual includes detailed forms and templates that outreach workers can use to record client information, and interview guide and resource list.
Read More: Outreach Manual
Outreach Best Practices: From a Shared Learning Event
The Shared Learning Event was hosted by the Welcoming Seniors’ Spaces and the HUB (Allies in Aging Collaborative) and attended by about 60 agency staff and volunteers. The goal of the event was to learn from each other about (1) ”best” outreach practices, (2) what would enhance the volunteer experience and (3) what creates welcoming Seniors’ Spaces.
Read More: Allies in Aging: Outreach Best Practices