Over 1,000 Tablets Given to Seniors At Risk of Social Isolation

ILLINOIS— More than 1,100 pieces of technology have been given to older adults and people with disabilities through a grant from the Administration for Community Living, the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) announced Monday.

The IDoA received the $1.7 million grant in May of 2020 for the purpose of connecting seniors or those whose disabilities caused them to be especially isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic with tablets, iPads and internet access.

Each device had applications pre-downloaded like FaceTime, Zoom or other mentally stimulating games. IDoA worked with other agencies like rehabilitation services and technology programs to identify people who were at especially high risk of social isolation. The distribution process began in August.

"Participants who received the devices also received step-by-step personalized user guides on how to operate their devices," said IDoA Communications Director Michael Dropka. "The user guides were made accessible in large print and in languages other than English. Additionally, the Illinois Assistive Technology is providing technical assistance via phone, email and remote assistance."

Since distribution began over the summer, the devices did not come with instructions on how to access a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, but the department has resources available for seniors who are not yet vaccinated.

"We really need each other, even more than we understand or know," Paula Basta, Director of IDoA said in a statement. "The pandemic allowed us to creatively form new partnerships and come up with innovative solutions to ensure that our older adults remain safe and in their own homes. Providing these new technologies help establish the social connection that our seniors need to maintain their health."

According to the National Institutes of Health, lack of regular social engagement among seniors or those with severe disabilities is a leading contributor to early death.

To inquire about a device bundle for an older family member or friend, please visit www.illinois.gov/aging or contact the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 (hearing impaired call 888-206-1327) or by email: aging.ilsenior@illinois.gov.