West Central Action Agency is celebrates National Social Wellness Month in July. Social wellness is the ability of an individual to interact effectively with the people around them and the insurance of a social support system being in place. Social support can look differently for the type of support and can range from emotional support to instrumental support (in the form of physical needs), and informational support, which means giving information to help others.
West Central is committed to nurturing the social wellness of individuals in our area. Here are a few programs that are provided that are boosting social wellness.
Cyber Seniors
As technology advances and our region enters a more online era, Cyber Seniors, a West Central program, is committed to bringing along our elderly population to this virtual world. Cyber Seniors is a program that connects senior citizens with a high school student. This program allows for the senior citizen to learn about how they can access the internet from a computer, tablet, or phone. There may be lessons on email, social media, cyber safety, and much more.
Connecting to friends and family via social media is beneficial to keeping older family members in the loop of what the people close to them are up to. The program itself also provides a unique opportunity for a young person to interact and socialize with an elder in their community.
Senior Care Pen Pal Program
West Central’s Senior Care found a way to encourage safe socialization during the midst of a pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic enhanced the isolation and loneliness that many seniors experience. Senior Care Pen Pals are matched with other seniors that have similar likes and hobbies. Writing kits are provided and include all the necessary items to become successful writing companions.
Kits include:
- stationery
- note cards
- all occasion greeting cards
- ink pens
- motivational quotes to share
- postage stamps.
Writing another senior provides an additional form of social wellness that can expand a senior’s social network. The written letter format can include individuals who may not be using technology or appreciate the chance to write letters to someone.
If you are 65 and older and are interested in learning how to become a Senior Care Pen Pal, please contact Senior Care staff at 660-476-2185.
Rides to Health and Wealth Program
Having the ability to connect with someone that can provide a ride to a doctor’s appointment, grocery store, or other meeting is essential to an individual’s social wellbeing. Having the ability to provide transportation to otherwise homebound individuals is beneficial to both the individuals and the economy, which can be boosted when more people have the ability to participate in it.
Multi-Family Housing
Multi-family housing property staff understand the importance of social wellness for the residents they provide care and services for. Providing wellness classes, entertainment, and programing are just a few ways to provide opportunities for residents living at one of our properties. The staff in the Multi-family Housing department know better than anyone that real care provides opportunities for socialization.
For more information about any of these programs you can visit West Central Action Agency on the web at www.wcmcaa.org or call the Central office at 660-476-2185
