Mental Wellness & Social Support
Faith in Action is committed to developing programs that foster in-person social connection among older adults over the age of 65 years old. We are particularly focused on older adults 85 years and older who are living alone and are most at risk for becoming social isolated due to a decline in mobility, decision to give up driving and/or an insufficient social network.
What do we mean by an insufficient social network? Today adult children are working later into their lives and are not as available to help their parents with errands and trips to the doctor. Many seniors do not have family in the area at all. To compound matters, it is very common for older adults to find that their friendship group is shrinking year by year, sometimes month by month. Friends move to be closer to their children or into Assisted Living. Other friends become ill and there is that worst moment when a spouse or best friend die. This accumulation of losses is significant. Some older adults will address this accumulation of losses and the trauma of aging by isolating themselves which can lead to intractable loneliness.
At Faith in Action, our programs to reduce social isolation and loneliness target the loss of a social network. We welcome older adults to register with us and start building a “family of friends.” All of our social programs are small groups and most people attend several at a time. We always provide transportation and we believe in carpools which is where the chit chat and friendships start to flourish.
SOWN (Supportive Older Adult Networks)
SOWN stands for Supportive Older Women’s Network. These groups are for women living alone. They meet twice a month to create a family of friends to share joys and sorrows, develop coping skills, solutions to common concerns and mutual, unconditional support. Transportation provided.
1st and 3rd Tuesdays at Patty Turner Center, Deerfield 1-2:30
2nd and 4th Wednesdays at Dickinson Hall, Lake Forest 1-2:30
Friendly Visiting
Care receivers enjoy one-on-one visits with a volunteer for conversation, card game, therapy dog visit, limited troubleshooting around the house. Volunteers do “what friends do for friends.”
Phone Friends
Phone Friends is a telephone companionship program that reduces loneliness and fortifies well-being for socially isolated seniors that are resistant to in-person contact of any kind.
Body Movement & Balance
Low key classes divert older adults from their concerns decreasing muscle tension and lowering the body's contribution to feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. Transportation provided.
Thursdays, 400 Central Ave, Highland Park 1-2:00
Craft n’ Chat
Simple, homemade crafts celebrate the seasons in a fun-filled, social atmosphere. Transportation provided. Schedule varies.
Celebrating with Friends
Rotating social programs boost residents physical and mental well-being during difficult times of transition and conflict. Schedule varies.
Adult Caregiver Education & Support with Respite Care
Support Group for family caregivers that also provides a volunteer that can stays with your loved one so you can attend the group. 2nd & 4th Wednesday 1-2:15 at the Patty Turner Center
Talking it Out at Home
Care receivers focus on developing personal coping strategies to address current problems that are interfering with their daily lives and identify a solution using the person’s strength and resources. In-home, no waiting list.
Love on a Leash
Therapy dogs visit to boost morale and mental well-being.
Independent Living Services
Variety of services that contribute to helping seniors remain in their homes longer such as grocery shopping, our Handy Daddy installing safety bars, help ordering and installing a Life Alert, accompanying vision or hearing-impaired care receivers to doctor appts.