
Blog post
Social Work Breaks Barriers
The month of March is a time we celebrate the social work profession.
Nanette McLain, Associate Director of Social Work, shares four tips to reduce loneliness around the holidays during #COVID19.
The holiday season can be a joyous time, but it can also cause stress and lead to loneliness. Distance from loved ones, mourning a recent loss, or the first holiday without an important person can cause painful feelings.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, difficulty connecting with loved ones may worsen feelings of loneliness. Health concerns can reduce energy or mobility and make it even more challenging to connect.
Read these four tips to reduce loneliness around the holidays.
Mariam Moquim, a Licensed Master Social Worker at Landmark, is exploring virtual resources with patients more often during the pandemic.
For example, Ms. Smith*, age 79, lives alone and has congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes. She stays in touch with her son, but he lives out of state and she doesn’t see him as often as she’d like.
To help Ms. Smith feel connected, Mariam and Ms. Smith are exploring virtual services through the local senior center. For example, there is an exercise group that Ms. Smith can join from her home. Ms. Smith can also use a “warmline.” A warmline is a phone line staffed by local volunteers who provide a listening ear when someone feels lonely.
As the holiday season approaches, Ms. Smith feels hopeful about finding new ways to stay connected.
Resources available:
To learn more about senior centers and community resources, visit Eldercare Locator at https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx
To learn more about warmlines visit Mental Health America https://www.mhanational.org/
*Patient name changed to protect her identity.
The month of March is a time we celebrate the social work profession.
Landmark physicians and care team members are going door to door conducting home visits to address the social determinants of health in the Detroit area. Dr. Gale Darnell shares her experience of community care from the sidewalks.
Advantage Plus Network–Connecticut, a partnership of Optum and Hartford HealthCare, has teamed up with Landmark to deliver in-home medical care to members with multiple chronic conditions.