Navigating social isolation in older adults living in the community through compassionate digital connections

Attention has been drawn to the global epidemic of loneliness and social isolation. Older adults living in the community are among those significantly affected. A recommendation for addressing this concern is bolstering social connectedness through public health policy and interventions. Technological solutions have expanded to mitigate loneliness and social isolation in older adults. While healthcare demands currently exceed available resources, the voluntary sector offers an opportunity to contribute to better care. Circle of Care, part of the integrated Sinai Health care system, is a not-for-profit home care provider. As part of Circle of Cares’ services, ‘Phone Pals’ offers consistent social contact and companionship between older adults in the community and trained volunteers using virtual options (e.g., telephone, text, email, etc.). Marianne’s study aims to describe how and under what conditions the Circle of Care Phone Pals program enables compassionate digital connections between older adults and trained volunteers.