VIRTUAL COMMUNITIES
Virtual communities are the result of a collaboration between local health services and community centers to counter the isolation of seniors during the pandemic . Due to distancing restrictions, the majority of seniors had stopped leaving their homes. Thanks to the cooperation between actors from the public, community and private sectors, we have built local support networks in order to organize virtual activities for seniors and also to help them acquire digital knowledge to access activities.
DECONDITIONING: A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR CONFINED SENIORS
“They have been in physical decline since the start of the pandemic. There are some who have left their homes three times in six months. "
(Social worker in Saint-Henri)
TESTIMONIALS OF CONFINED SENIORS:
I haven't hugged my grandchildren for a year.
The days are long, very long ...
I'm afraid to go outside.
I sit in front of the TV all day ...
MUSIC THERAPY AGAINST
ISOLATION AND DECONDITIONING
What techniques are applied in this music therapy group?
Watching this video you might be thinking that we are just singing together and having a good time, while several music therapy techniques are in action. Can you find them?
​
Imitation: is a technique of empathy that creates cohesion within the group.
Playing improvised instruments: helps develop fine motor skills
Singing: improves oxygen supply.
Synchronization and exaggeration: establishing rapport with each citizen individually by soliciting a response.
Stimulation: creation of spaces for citizen participation.
CHALLENGES OF TECHNOLOGY
Our initial experiences with digital technologies immediately demonstrated to us the lack of knowledge of digital technologies among seniors. Subsequently, we decided to create support networks with volunteers to help seniors who need assistance in using tablets and applications. This was also useful for the senior volunteers who were demobilized during the pandemic and gave them an opportunity for social participation.
ENGAGING ACTIVITIES
