As their name suggests, the Los Angeles Social Isolation Impact Coalition’s (LASIIC) primary focus is the impact of isolation on long-term care residents. So it’s no surprise that their efforts consistently address isolation and have even expanded beyond the bounds of Los Angeles. Recently, the organization visited Japan, learning more about their social programs and methods for battling loneliness.
Loneliness in Long-Term Care
Well before COVID and the lock downs, loneliness and isolation have been major issues many long-term residents faced. During the pandemic, the problem got worse.
“Restricted by altered, or non-existent, visiting policies, residents were often left alone in their rooms, separated from family, and without social activities which were canceled.”
Isolation, neglect, and loneliness in nursing homes can have devastating effects on the health of residents. Depression, bed sores, extreme mood changes, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and declining overall health all stem from isolation.
What’s more, isolation can exacerbate dementia and Alzheimer’s.
The issue of loneliness can easily invade the life of long-term residents as they become less mobile, as their friend group shrinks, and as their family struggles to find time to visit – or is prevented from visiting.
Now, the LASIIC is looking for solutions.
PC: Sasha Matveeva via Unsplash
Battling Loneliness with the LASIIC
Exploring the Japanese concept of Ibasho opened the eyes of LASIIC co-founders Maureen Feldman and Dr. Laura Trejo. Based on the idea that community and social connection should be created “with dignity, shared ownership, and cultural relevance at the heart”, Ibasho empowers a nation’s elderly population to simply be. And what’s needed most to accomplish this is structural support and a focus on dignity.
This new international dialogue has spread the Impact Coalition’s beyond Los Angeles’ borders, building similar initiatives in long-term care facilities across the world. Since their founding in 2017, the LASIIC has built a “network of over 50 partner organizations across Los Angeles, spanning nonprofits, academia, public health, and civic sectors.”
Their initiatives include advocacy, community-led solutions, partnerships with community and non-profit organizations, and awareness efforts. The ultimate goal: start important conversations that spark action and end isolation for long-term residents around the world.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, call Gharibian Law (866-798-8606) today for a FREE consultation and the best legal representation.
Los Angeles Social Isolation Impact Coalition Battles Loneliness
As their name suggests, the Los Angeles Social Isolation Impact Coalition’s (LASIIC) primary focus is the impact of isolation on long-term care residents. So it’s no surprise that their efforts consistently address isolation and have even expanded beyond the bounds of Los Angeles. Recently, the organization visited Japan, learning more about their social programs and methods for battling loneliness.
Loneliness in Long-Term Care
Well before COVID and the lock downs, loneliness and isolation have been major issues many long-term residents faced. During the pandemic, the problem got worse.
“Restricted by altered, or non-existent, visiting policies, residents were often left alone in their rooms, separated from family, and without social activities which were canceled.”
Isolation, neglect, and loneliness in nursing homes can have devastating effects on the health of residents. Depression, bed sores, extreme mood changes, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and declining overall health all stem from isolation.
What’s more, isolation can exacerbate dementia and Alzheimer’s.
The issue of loneliness can easily invade the life of long-term residents as they become less mobile, as their friend group shrinks, and as their family struggles to find time to visit – or is prevented from visiting.
Now, the LASIIC is looking for solutions.
Battling Loneliness with the LASIIC
Exploring the Japanese concept of Ibasho opened the eyes of LASIIC co-founders Maureen Feldman and Dr. Laura Trejo. Based on the idea that community and social connection should be created “with dignity, shared ownership, and cultural relevance at the heart”, Ibasho empowers a nation’s elderly population to simply be. And what’s needed most to accomplish this is structural support and a focus on dignity.
This new international dialogue has spread the Impact Coalition’s beyond Los Angeles’ borders, building similar initiatives in long-term care facilities across the world. Since their founding in 2017, the LASIIC has built a “network of over 50 partner organizations across Los Angeles, spanning nonprofits, academia, public health, and civic sectors.”
Their initiatives include advocacy, community-led solutions, partnerships with community and non-profit organizations, and awareness efforts. The ultimate goal: start important conversations that spark action and end isolation for long-term residents around the world.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, call Gharibian Law (866-798-8606) today for a FREE consultation and the best legal representation.