Nursing Homes Still Haven’t Recovered from Pandemic Loneliness
Emily Belz of Christianity Today reports, “Before the pandemic, nursing home residents dealt with social isolation, but if norms from the pandemic lockdowns continue, they could be more isolated than ever. Some churches and ministries are responding to this new reality by expanding their work in nursing homes.” The demand for religious connection has skyrocketed in some homes, with some churches like the Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia increasing their outreach by 60 percent. Belz writes, “Ministries are trying to return relationships and joy in homes in creative ways, like enlisting elementary classes to write letters if a facility goes into lockdown. The window visits that took off during the pandemic have continued when the visitor or resident is sick. Homes and ministries are better at using technology for outside connection, with Zoom Bible studies and Facetime calls.”