OUR SERVICES
Humans are social beings by nature. Yet for a variety of reasons, many people including seniors and persons with disabilities, spend the majority of their time at home, isolated from social interaction. This constant isolation can bring on feelings of loneliness and even depression.
While it was initially thought that the Internet could increase isolation, new social structures have evolved online that are enabling people to stay in touch with others, be involved with their communities and meet new people without having to leave their homes.
Here are some ways people who are homebound can take advantage of the Internet to reduce feelings of loneliness and depression.
- Enjoy one-on-one conversations through e-mail, instant messaging, and online phone calls combined with Webcams.
- Pictures, short movies and live images can be shared easily, diminishing distances between family members and friends.
- Internet chat rooms are the source of many new friendships. We’ve all read about couples who met online
- Listservs, blogs and newsgroups can be sources for interesting group conversations.
- Internet games that involve others provide an opportunity for social interaction. There are Web sites are devoted to poker, hearts and bridge, for example.
- Online seminars are available from colleges, museums and libraries. Take travel tours, learn about sculpture, or discuss poetry or history without ever having to leave your home. You can reduce feelings of loneliness by meeting new classmates, and you’ll also get the benefits that lifelong learning provide.
Jewish Home Lifecare acknowledges the impact that the Internet has made on society and is helping our clients take advantage of the benefits that the Internet and other forms of online communications have to offer.