COLUMBUS, Ohio — As we have learned since the pandemic began, the risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, with older adults at the highest risk.
Thanks to the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM), they have partnered with five Medicaid managed care organizations (MCO) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) to support Ohioans that are most vulnerable to the coronavirus.
According to their press release, "from now through the holidays, individuals living in nursing and assisted living facilities can receive additional social and emotional support through a joint “friendly caller” initiative."
These “friendly caller” techniques will provide friendship and support through informal scheduled conversations.
"Residents interested in the initiative are linked through the AAAs with trained callers to share their thoughts, feelings, and memories, or converse on any topics of interest during twice-weekly, 30-minute phone chats. Additionally, callers trained on the UCLA Loneliness Scale – the leading scientific measure in evaluating loneliness – include three questions from the assessment tool to identify residents who may need additional interventions."
Loneliness is common this time of year especially for those living in nursing and assisted living facilities. COVID-19 is also having a direct impact on the elderly.
"One in four adults ages 65 and older (24%) reported anxiety or depression in August (a rate that has been relatively constant since March). By comparison, the same study conducted in 2018 found that roughly 10% of this group reported anxiety or depression."
“Research shows us that the holidays are an emotionally challenging time for those residing in shared living facilities – a reality exacerbated by months of social distancing and limited interaction with loved ones,” said Maureen Corcoran, director of Ohio Medicaid. “We also know that depression can accelerate physical deterioration – this initiative gets to the heart of the matter by offering consistent, caring, and highly interpersonal connections that are needed now and throughout the holidays ahead.”