More than 2,500 phone check-ins were made to seniors living in central and northern Vancouver Island so far in the COVID-19 pandemic. (pixabay)

By Spencer Sterritt

Seniors isolation

Nanaimo volunteers taking time to help vulnerable seniors

Jun 4, 2020 | 12:01 PM

NANAIMO — Vulnerable Vancouver Island seniors stuck indoors during COVID-19 are not alone.

Data from the United Way showed volunteers in central and northern Vancouver Island reached out to seniors by phone nearly 2,600 times so far during the pandemic. More than 1,300 virtual visits were made, as well as roughly 600 grocery trips and 2,300 meals prepared.

Assistance was facilitated through the bc211 phone line, which matches seniors with volunteers.

Deborah Hollins, executive director of the Nanaimo Family Life Association, told NanaimoNewsNOW she was thrilled to see how many volunteers reached out to help vulnerable seniors.

“When I see those responses from our community, it’s very heartwarming. That’s something I think is really special about our community, that we can take to heart and count on in times of trouble. It was top of mind when the pandemic came for a lot of citizens to think first of others.”

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Hollins said Nanaimo has a large population of seniors who struggle without social interaction.

“We know isolation is as bad for the health of an individual senior as smoking a pack of cigarettes a day,” she said. “When we know that’s the impact isolation has on seniors and then they’re in a pandemic where they’re further isolated, it really impacts mental health and wellness.”

As the COVID-19 pandemic eases in the summer and later in the year after an anticipated resurgence, Hollins said they’re confident there won’t be a significant drop-off in care.

“When you have people coming forward wanting to help and you’re educating them in the issues, you’re not just educating them but arming them with resources they can provide.”

Those interested in volunteering can sign up online here.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterritt