SARASOTA – Isolation and loneliness are often something with which many seniors must cope. Now, the threat of COVID-19 pandemic adds yet another layer of confinement.
The Senior Friendship Centers is normally a welcoming place for our older adults on the Suncoast. But, with the facility temporarily shuttered, Friendship Center manager, April Moschini, says she and her staff are committed to remaining a part of their guests’ lives:
“Most importantly is to stay connected during this time and without the Senior Centers being open, we’re really getting creative with how to stay connected,” Moschini said.
One way is through their Friendship at Home program.
“Everyone is getting friendly phone calls, we’re checking in on everybody, we’re seeing if they need anything, and then we’re redirecting those needs to agency services we know are still providing things,” Moschini said.
And, going online.
“We’re posting videos on our Facebook page, for instructional classes, art and crafts, and also exercise programs,” Moschini said.
As for their harmonica class:
“We meet in a small room and whole a bunch of people blowing through harmonicas putting germs in the air is not a good thing when you have a virus pandemic going on,” lead volunteer of the harmonica class, Richard Verrochi, said.
Verrochi says there are two ways to connect people: music and technology. So, they found an alternative method to practice: Zoom.
“Zoom lets us all participate, we all play, we all try to learn things,” Verrochi said. “It took a little bit to learn the technology and we had a couple of test meetings.”
After some test runs, they’re now meeting every Tuesday through Zoom.
This new method of engagement has opened up new windows of opportunity.
“Zoom has allowed us to do something new and different, and that is we’re bringing a nationally known harmonica player and instructor,” Verrochi said.
“So, we’re really connecting with the seniors who are at home to continue with their normal daily activities,” Moschini said.
“We can’t leave people alone,” Verrochi said. “That’s not a good thing. We have to continue to interact and share our lives with them.”
For more information about activities at the Senior Friendship Centers, you can call 941-955-2122.
