Summit County Officials Trying To Combat COVID-19 Isolation In Seniors

Health experts worry the pandemic has increased isolation in older adults, as they may not be able to see their loved ones in person as often due to safety concerns over the coronavirus.

Summit County officials are working to combat this issue by expanding older residents’ access to technology, such as computers and Wifi.

Members of the county’s nursing home task force have used funds from the national CARES Actto collect and distribute electronic devices to seniors in need.  

The Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities has provided 37 devices to seniors through a small pilot program, said Abby Morgan, chief operating officer.

Taskforce officials discussed expanding the pilot program by partnering with other community organizations, during the meeting Tuesday.

“Where we currently are at is looking at community partners and saying, how can we work with you on a distribution network?” Morgan said.

Desktop computers, personal WiFi hot spots, and internet access have been provided to older adults, Morgan said.

“What’s your population and what’s your need. What’s the divide or gap there for those individuals that are most at risk, and, kind of, assessing what’s the volume we can support with this program.”

The goal is for seniors to use the devices to stay connected with friends and family, but also participate in services like online wellness classes and telemedicine appointments, she said.

The program could also help expand seniors’ access to legal services, said Summit County Probate Court Judge Elinore Marsh Stormer.

Seniors cannot attend probate court hearings in-person, so they often have to participate virtually, which can be difficult, Stormer said.

Judge Stormer referenced a person who had to use a phone to call into his guardianship hearings. He is a nursing home resident and does not have access to video calls, she said.

“At this point, we don’t have a way to see him or have him see us. So all we can do is put him on a telephone line and hope he can hear and understand what we’re talking about,” she said.

The task force members also discussed a report which is expected to propose recommendations for improvements to nursing home facilities in the county.

The Summit County Nursing Homes and Facilities Task Force was created to address issues in elder care after a nursing home in the county was shut down due to poor sanitary conditions in 2019.

Officials plan to release the report to the public in November.