| One of the main missions of Elder Care Services is to combat social isolation. Social isolation effects 2 in 10 older adults and is as bad for a person’s physical health as smoking! “A wave of new research suggests social separation is bad for us. Individuals with less social connection have disrupted sleep patterns, altered immune systems, more inflammation and higher levels of stress hormones. One recent study found that isolation increases the risk of heart disease by 29 percent and stroke by 32 percent” (How Social Isolation Is Killing Us, Dhruv Khullar, December 22, 2016).
Elder Care Services provides daily social well-being checks on our Meals on Wheels clients, operates a telephone reassurance program for isolated seniors, promotes community through involvement at our congregate meal sites, and offers socialization at our adult day center- Elder Day Stay. |
