Problem Statement

During the COVID-19 quarantine, assisted living facilities could not take visitors, and as such, their elderly residents may feel even more isolated, fearful, and lonely. Our impact project was focused on addressing this need. Our intention was to bond, offer support, listen to his or her stories, worries or fears, help ease them during this stressful time, make them laugh, connect, and share a bit about ourselves.

Target Group

Isolated seniors in the Chicago area.

Proposed Solution

Connect with seniors virtually since in person visitations were not permitted.  

Hub Activities 

The Shaper Care project was a volunteer matching program. We connected with elderly assisted living facilities in Chicago and offered video or phone call support to their elderly residents.  We connected with one assisted living facility in Lakeview. We learned about our elder partners' hobbies, love for whiskey, travel adventures, and big investment plans!

Short & Long-Term Goals/Results

Connected with seniors and received positive feedback on the impact these conversations had on their mental health & well-being.

Available Metrics

# of volunteers; # of calls made

Collaborators 

Artis Senior Living of Lakeview

For more information: https://www.chicagoshapers.org/