By Pam Alberts
There is a lot more than meets the eye at the Lincoln COA. Much research has been done on being connected when it comes to health, happiness, and purpose. In addition to being a very active center with diverse activities, the Lincoln COA knows how much the little things mean to those who need them. It is extremely important to feel connected. For seniors who live alone, are isolated, or homebound, it can be critical.
The Lincoln COA makes every attempt to provide connection and everyday things people need, such as a simple cup of coffee and conversation with another person. We encourage people to bring lunch and sit together, enjoying coffee and snacks. This can be done anytime, including more formally while listening to a speaker at Lincoln Academy, or informally at Bemis Café between activities. Being able to have a mentally stimulating conversation about a topic at Lincoln Academy, or the opportunity to exchange ideas at Senior Men’s Coffee, means a great deal.
Groups can be quite powerful for people. As a researcher, creator, and facilitator of many groups for seniors over my geriatric social worker career, I’ve heard countless things expressed about the importance of connection. Just recently someone in one of my groups said, “I live alone and have no one to run things by. This group is extremely important to me and I don’t know what I’d do without it.” People are often surprised by how intimate groups can become over time. I hear, “This is like a second family” repeatedly.
The Lincoln COA has two “Let’s Connect” groups where some people are at the COA person and some are at home. This provides a great opportunity for people who find it difficult to leave their home or are homebound a way to connect in a group setting. These groups become just as intimate, if not more so.
Pam Alberts, MSW, LICSW, CEP, MBA is Assistant Director at the Lincoln Council On Aging. She runs several groups at Bemis Hall – 15 Bedford Road, Lincoln, including Let’s Connect, Finding What’s Next, Growing Your Positive Attitude, De-Clutter Your Home, and Blissful Meditation.
