CJE SeniorLife Pilots Interactive Virtual Senior Center Program for Isolated Older Adults in Chicago

CJE SeniorLife and Selfhelp Community Services of NY (SCS) are collaborating to expand the acclaimed Virtual Senior Center (VSC) into the homes of Chicago’s homebound seniors in an effort to reduce social isolation. The VSC initiative is a national project built to enhance the lives of vulnerable, isolated older adults by enabling them to connect to their families, friends and community through a senior friendly touch-screen interface. Studies have shown that seniors who engage with technology have higher self-esteem and greater social interaction compared with those who don’t. However, many seniors find it difficult to access or use a computer for a variety of reasons. The VSC is specifically created for homebound seniors to resolve many of these challenges.

CJE is the first to demonstrate the Virtual Senior Center outside of New York. SCS designated part of a grant received from Consumer Electronics Association Foundation for CJE to enable the Chicago pilot program. Since its inception in New York, homebound seniors have been able to use the VSC program to participate in a multitude of activities, including museum tours, discussion groups, armchair yoga, Sabbath services, and other interactive as well as educational programming.

“We are delighted that the VSC experience will now be available to homebound seniors in Chicago,” said Leo Asen, Chief Innovation Officer of SCS. “The VSC experience has resulted in improved morale and has decreased the feeling of isolation among participants. As our population ages, projects like the VSC are more important than ever and can play an important role in providing services to seniors previously not available to them.”  
 
CJE will produce its own programs in which homebound seniors can participate. CJE’s Center for Healthy Living will offer live classes, such as A Matter of Balance, Take Charge of Your Health, Total Memory Workout, Healthy Eating, etc. Participants will also have access to CJE classes from sites, such as the Bernard Horwich Building, Weinberg Community for Senior Living, and Robineau Residence, including music and nutrition classes, computer classes, museum lectures and discussion groups on a variety of topics.

CJE is currently looking for homebound older adults, 55+ years of age, to take part in this program, which is free for a limited time. Participants will receive an easy-to-use touch screen computer complete with Internet connectivity, and in-home Technical Support is provided for setup, training and questions. With their computers, participants can join an interactive class in which they can participate as if they are physically present. Upon joining the group, the instructor in a large window on the screen greets them. Participants, who join remotely, are shown in smaller video windows across the bottom of the computer screen with their names underneath to encourage stronger connections with other participants across the country. Participants can also connect to family, friends, and the community through email, Skype, Facebook and other Internet sites.

CJE participants will also have access to the classes offered from partner centers in New York, San Diego, and Washington, D.C. and vice versa. “Our goal is to bring isolated older adults back into the fold of the community by offering them the opportunity to participate virtually in educational and social programs,” says Gerri Fiterman Persin, CJE’s Center for Healthy Living Manager. Volunteer class leaders are also needed for this project to lead discussions, book reviews and other topics of interest. Technical support will be provided.

The computer provides a secure network and easy web navigation, using text, color and graphics to create easily identifiable Internet pathways, making browsing more intuitive for seniors. “New users or those with low-vision should not hold back. The senior-friendly interface is very easy, already configured with participant names. As soon as it’s turned on, they can start. The touch screen is also configured for a more user-friendly three-finger touch instead of the typical one-finger touch, which is known to frustrate those with low dexterity,” says Fiterman Persin. Each participant will work with a volunteer ‘tech buddy’ for support and guidance.

To participate, one must have an interest in using the Virtual Senior Center computer for a minimum of 30 hours per month over a six month period. “We want to involve older adults who might not have had the opportunity to use a computer before, and those who are stuck at home due to physical challenges. We’re also looking at caregivers, who might be isolated as the result of caring for a loved one,” says Fiterman Persin.

Social engagement is especially important for older adults, particularly those who depend on remote family members for support or who are going through life transitions such as the loss of a spouse. The potential benefits of the Virtual Senior Center are numerous: increased socialization, decreased depression, opportunities for continued education and brain health and a sense of purpose, all while gaining new skills.

Technically-savvy persons are also needed to facilitate classes, help set up computers in peoples’ homes and connect them to the Internet, or serve as Helpdesk volunteers to field technical questions on the phone or by Skype with older adults. Moderate to high level of computer knowledge is required.

If you or someone you know would make a good program participant or volunteer match, please contact Kathleen Fischer, M.S.W., Wellness Program Coordinator at 773/508-1134 or Kathleen.Fischer@cje.net. To find out more about CJE’s Virtual Senior Center initiative, please visit www.cje.net/VirtualSeniorCenter.

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Since 1972, CJE SeniorLife has enhanced the lives of older adults and their families through an innovative, comprehensive network that includes life enrichment programs, supportive resources, healthcare, research and education. CJE is a partner in serving the community, supported by the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago. For more information about CJE services, call 773/508-1000 or visit www.cje.net. For more news and events, follow them on Facebook or Twitter.

SelfHelp Community Services of New York (SCS) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to maintaining the independence and dignity of seniors and at-risk populations through a spectrum of  housing, home health care, and social services and leads in applying new methods and technologies to address the changing needs of its community. For more information, please visit www.Selfhelp.net.