Building Relationships While Breaking Social Isolation

Lonely. Depressed. Socially Awkward. This is social isolation. In partnership with Park View Health Center, a nonprofit county run skilled nursing facility, I am serving a semester of my time volunteering to help end this epidemic. My time spent with the residents is more than just volunteering, it is a solution to the increasingly large amount of elders who are becoming isolated. Just in the Winnebago County 13.4% people are over the age of 65 years according to the United States Census Bureau Website (datamapper.geo.census.gov). Generations keep growing as well as the demand for nursing facilities, which can result in a constant increase of social isolation. The Population Reference Bureau website, states that the aging of the baby boom generation could fuel a 75% increase in the number of Americans ages 65 and older requiring a nursing home, to about 2.3 million from 1.3 million (prb.org). While residents may spend their last stop at a nursing facility, they may start to socially disconnect with the world outside. By outgrowing the connection with those outside of the facility, seniors can become lonely and isolated. Social isolation not only affects one's health but can also affect the family as they watch their loved one decline.

Whether it is painting nails, going for walks or playing games, residents are able to socialize with volunteers of any generation. They can build new connections with those in the community and still feel connected to the outside world. Tim Laurin, the Lead Activity Specialist at Park View, said that “Community-volunteers may help residents feel more at ease with moving to a Nursing care facility like Park View. Like they have not lost touch with the community around them.” This helps residents and their families transition into a facility, because of the fact that there are people willing to spend time with their loved ones while they spend their days at a nursing home. Family members of those at Park View, for example, realize they made the right decision in where they put their loved ones, because of the volunteers willing to build connections rather than a place where there is no communication and relationships built. It gives them comfort that they will not become lonely and that they are still connecting with the community around them.

Volunteering at Park View does not only impact the resident's life but my own life. I knew this project was the one for me for multiple reasons, one being that I enjoy being a waitress to those living at Evergreen Retirement Community. Building cross-generational bonds through my job have changed my life because I am more aware of life around me. They have opened my eyes and heart to see the beauty and joy in every walk of life. Furthermore, I knew volunteering at Park View would continue to warm my heart and let it grow. Serving others and seeing the impact I can make in their life is the reason why I volunteer. Most importantly, I knew this project was the one for me because I personally know what it’s like to put a family member in a nursing home. The guilt and sadness build up when you are deciding on the best place for them, so I wanted to give back to other families in hope that they can gain back relief from knowing their loved one will not suffer from social isolation. Volunteering at Park View will leave a long-lasting impact on not only the residents but also on me.