We all know that sometimes the difference between a bad day and a good one can be having a conversation with a friend. A phone call. A text exchange. Bumping into a neighbor while you walk the dog. These small interactions play a big part in our mental well-being. But for homebound seniors who struggle with new technology, it’s not always so easy to reach out and feel the comfort of connection.
As part of San Diego Seniors Community Foundation’s No Senior Alone initiative, we granted $16,000 to the Peninsula Shepherd Center to fund the Connections Through Technology Program, which helped Point Loma and Ocean Beach seniors stay connected during the long, isolating months at home during the pandemic.
We recently received an update from Lisa about a couple who received technology:
Good Morning: I wanted to show you one of the many emails we receive from members of our Technology Program. It is such a joy to see that the program still has relevance and is really making a positive difference in our seniors’ lives. Below is a letter from a lovely people couple and have been dealing with life after the husband’s stroke. They are both artists and this has taken a huge toll on the way they are used to living their lives. Connection for them is critical and you can see they truly appreciate it! Have a wonderful weekend!
Dear Lisa,The IPad has definitely changed our lives,It is so gratifying to watch my husband at the table exploring his new technology.The day after we met with you, I had a performance in Balboa Park.I am going to attempt to send you a video made with IPad.I have been meaning to contact you since you were here. Apologies for not reachingout sooner. We had another issue with our landlord, therefore I have been rather distracted. I have been using photos taken on IPad to support our position.Thank you again for taking the time to come to us and give us these amazing gifts.We are forever grateful. Please let me know if I can help you in any way.
In this video, we meet Carol, Jerry, and Laura (not the couple reference above) – PSC members who benefitted from one-on-one technology training to help them use new digital devices and engage with online programming at the center. Listen to their stories and hear how Connections Through Technology and the Peninsula Shepherd Center have made a difference in their lives.
