Webinar: Isolation and Loneliness in Seniors

Tuesday, August 17, 2021
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Eastern

Speaker: Marla Berg-Weger, PhD, LCSW
Professor, School of Social Work; Executive Director, Geriatric Education Center, St. Louis University

CE Credits: Yes

DESCRIPTION
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, loneliness and social isolation were known to significantly impact the physical and mental health of all age groups, but particularly older adults. Pre-pandemic, loneliness and social isolation were deemed to be a global epidemic among older adults. The pandemic has only exacerbated the prevalence and intensity of these two experiences. This presentation will introduce participants to current prevalence rates, risk factors, health and mental health implications, and interventions to address the issues of loneliness and social isolation in older adults. One non-pharmacological evidence-based intervention, Circle of Friends©, will be highlighted. Developed in Finland, this group intervention Circle of Friends© has resulted in decreased loneliness and social isolation and improvements in health status and healthcare utilization. Participants will learn strategies for assessment and intervention within community and residential care settings.

OBJECTIVES

1. Describe concepts and prevalence of age-related loneliness and social isolation.

2. Discuss lessons still being learned from COVID-19 pandemic.

3. Understand assessment strategies for loneliness and social isolation.

4. Implement intervention strategies to address loneliness and social isolation.
Intended Audience: Corporate and campus risk managers, compliance officers, administrators, medical directors, PCPs, directors of nursing, mid-level providers, social workers, case managers, activity coordinators, and QAPI Committee members

ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Marla Berg-Weger, Ph.D., LCSW, is a Professor in the Saint Louis University School of Social Work and Executive Director, Saint Louis University School of Medicine Gateway Geriatric Education Center. Her social work degrees were completed at Kansas State University, University of Kansas, and Washington University. Her scholarship has focused on aging, family caregiving and social work practice. She has authored four books and over 100 book chapters, journal articles, and scholarly publications. Her primary areas of research have included family caregiving, cognitive stimulation therapy, and driving and mobility with social isolation and loneliness being a recent area of focus.

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