key: cord-0751963-277d65he
authors: Tan, Li Feng; Liu, Germaine; Seetharaman, Santhosh Kumar
title: Pivoting volunteer engagement activities for older adults in long‐term care facilities and day care centres online during the COVID‐19 pandemic
date: 2021-10-18
journal: Intern Med J
DOI: 10.1111/imj.15507
sha: 3598f96923f05c259b0451785af489fce95256c0
doc_id: 751963
cord_uid: 277d65he

nan

The persistence of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic around the world has necessitated the development of telehealth and the delivery of care virtually. 1 Social distancing measures continue to be implemented especially in high risk settings such as long-term care facilities (LTCF) 2 and day care centres. However, the effects of social isolation on mental health remain a real concern, and actions must be taken to minimise the adverse effects of such measures on older adults.

Singapore has a total of 77 nursing homes and 143 centre-based facilities with increasing demand from an ageing population. To manage the costs of the elderly care sector, the government has adopted a partnership model with voluntary welfare organisations (VWO). 3 Volunteer-led activities are an integral part of delivering cost-effective and meaningful programmes to older adults and have been shown to be effective in improving health outcomes. 4 activities onto a virtual platform. Some of the benefits include having a wider pool of volunteers who are more available or willing to participate over a virtual platform than in-person. Many busy professionals or working adults who are keen to volunteer with limited pockets of time are more likely to do so over a virtual platform. With the younger generation being very comfortable over virtual platforms and engaging often over social media, virtual means of interaction and connection are likely to draw in younger volunteers. With many interactions and activities pivoting to virtual platforms, older adults have also had to upskill and improve their digital literacy. There are more programmes teaching older adults to use digital devices and platforms. While restrictions due to COVID-19 have repercussions on social isolation and mental health, it is also an opportunity to innovate in such challenging times. LTCF and care centres have found ways to adapt 6 and expand the range of activities offered to older adults.

Facilitating telehealth for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: strategies from a Singapore geriatric center

Virtual visiting for older hospitalised people: the next best thing to stay connected during COVID-19

Day care centers for seniors in Singapore: looking back and looking ahead

Volunteer-led physical activity interventions to improve health outcomes for communitydwelling older people: a systematic review

Virtual intergenerational therapy: new platforms for engagement of older adults during the COVID-19 crisis

Adaptation of the comprehensive geriatric assessment to a virtual delivery format