Tech Savvy Wellness Solutions for Seniors
Tech Savvy Wellness Solutions for Seniors
There is perhaps no group that has been more isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic than senior citizens. Dr. Florenzia Davis, coordinator of the Health Ministry at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in West Palm Beach knew that technology access and education would be a Godsend to these seniors and their mental health. Through her Be Well Do Well grant, Dr. Davis and her Health Ministry Committee created “Tech Savvy Wellness Solutions for Seniors,” providing free tablets, internet service, and training through a unique partnership with 21 Lynn University graduate nursing students that resulted in re-connecting 32 seniors with their loved ones, their faith communities, and the world.
Through Tabernacle Church and connections with other faith communities, Dr. Davis and her committee identified seniors 65+ who lived alone and were experiencing isolation, or who had physical limitations that restricted their ability to stay in contact with family and friends. Questionnaires and follow-up calls with potential participants revealed the deep need for the program, going beyond the 20-person goal first set at the outset.
BeWellPBC grant funding provided for each senior to receive a free tablet equipped with Alexa so that participants with vision or flexibility challenges could provide voice commands rather than type. One free month of internet service from Xfinity plus five free months funded by the grant provided access, and Lynn University graduate nursing students offered training sessions with each senior two to three times per week, which was also a way to build relationships and relieve loneliness.
“This has been such a great benefit to seniors to feel connected,” said Dr. Davis. “They can watch their church services, join Zoom calls with family and friends, or listen to music that they enjoy.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Davis and her committee are exploring ways they can assist seniors in connecting with their doctors through telehealth as the COVID-19 Delta variant spreads. Staying connected to their faith communities is also important as some churches face extended closure, and it is something that the seniors are most grateful for, as shared in a note of gratitude from a participant: “I wish to express my appreciation and gratitude for selecting me as a recipient…I really enjoy watching our church services.” Through making seniors more tech savvy, Dr. Davis and her committee are providing them with the most meaningful connections of all to benefit their mental health—spirituality.
