Mac PFP

A group of healthcare students aiming to reduce social isolation in older adults, one phone call at a time.

[Mac PFP @MacPhoneAFriend]

Thank you for mentioning the Phone-A-Friend Program in this article! It's a very difficult time for older adults in our communities, and a friendly voice can make a big difference.

[McMaster Health Sciences @machealthsci]

“Everybody can make a difference,” says McMaster's Alexandra Papaioannou. “Think about calling older people in your life.” @dr_alexandrap @GERAScentre #McMasterU #BrighterWorld https://t.co/HrwhEx6Xf6

[McMaster Health Sciences @machealthsci]

“Everybody can make a difference,” says McMaster's Alexandra Papaioannou. “Think about calling older people in your life.” @dr_alexandrap @GERAScentre #McMasterU #BrighterWorld https://t.co/HrwhEx6Xf6

[Mac PFP @MacPhoneAFriend]

LTC residents have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and social isolation is no exception.

Mac Phone-A-Friend Program is proud to support many older adults living in Hamilton LTC and RHs, via weekly phone calls from healthcare students.

[Nathan Stall @NathanStall]

Our new @JAMDAcom study led by Drs. @savagera and Pat Armstrong reporting that #Ontario #LTC residents without family or friend contact experienced 35% greater excess mortality early in the #COVID19 pandemic.

Loneliness and social isolation can be deadly.
https://t.co/AFOWsvOs6U

[NSMSGS @NSM_SGS]

For #olderadults keeping the active and engaged during a pandemic can be challenging.

Simple activities like pairing and tossing socks are great ways to stimulate the mind and create activity.

We have more activities! Visit https://t.co/FrgqkEiuC1 to find more.

#nsmsgs

[Geras Centre for Aging Research @GERAScentre]

In new @TheSpec Article, @kennedy_cck & @BrendaVrkljan discuss how prioritizing #selfcare has a beneficial ripple effect on other aspects of health and well-being.

Read: https://t.co/lYlQCIEaTW

[Hamilton Council on Aging (HCoA) @HamOnt_Aging]

Today in @TheSpec, read about how people living with dementia are empowering dementia friendly communities locally! @GERAScentre @DementiaAlzh @HamHealthSci @RGPcentral @SRSMcMasterU @HaldimandCounty @cityofhamilton @SusanGoodman6 @dr_alexandrap https://t.co/gIEcs7Jdj2

[Geras Centre for Aging Research @GERAScentre]

The #Virtual #GERASFrailtyRehab study provides technology and internet access to those without devices, to ensure all participants are able to access the exercise intervention 💪 and engage in the study while at home during #COVID19.

Link for more info: https://t.co/7zhWagbcRA

[Mac PFP @MacPhoneAFriend]

PSST. Looking for more socially distanced programming? Seniors Centre Without Walls is a Hamilton-based program that provides free group recreational activities for older adults over the phone.

To register call 905-973-0891 or email [email protected].

[Mac PFP @MacPhoneAFriend]

We love this quote by Dr. Arbaje. Mac PFP allows Older Adults to connect beyond their usual circle of friends and family.

Email us at [email protected] for more information!

[Mac PFP @MacPhoneAFriend]

We thank our older adult partners for sharing so many important moments with our volunteers.

[Mac PFP @MacPhoneAFriend]

COVID-19 has significantly impacted older adults. Social isolation has many negative effects:
-Anxiety and depression
-Poor sleep
-Physical inactivity

Participation in programs such as Mac PFP may help combat social isolation! Read more here: https://t.co/gegW6v7RVf

[Mac PFP @MacPhoneAFriend]

Friendships come in all forms. We love challenging biases about the generational differences between our volunteers and older adult participants!

[Mac PFP @MacPhoneAFriend]

Intergenerational laughter is the best! We love this testimonial by one of our volunteers.

[Manan Ahuja @MananAhuja12]

Had a wonderful time presenting at @CanGeriSoc's Annual Meeting! Huge thank you to the whole @MacPhoneAFriend team! #CGSTurns40

[Mac PFP @MacPhoneAFriend]

Mac PFP by the numbers! As part of our commitment to ensuring our program is meeting your needs, we are constantly engaging in quality improvement. These numbers are from a recent survey of 50 program participants.

[Mac PFP @MacPhoneAFriend]

Social isolation and loneliness is one of the leading preventable causes of morbidity and mortality in seniors. Thank you to all of our volunteers at Mac PFP for working hard to address this important issue! Read more at: https://t.co/mquLosCPsb

[Mac PFP @MacPhoneAFriend]

"It's been a lifesaver." “I feel like I’m talking to a friend, not a participant." More below on how friendly calling initiatives are helping combat social isolation in seniors during the pandemic: https://t.co/oGIUvBuepC

[Seniors Strategy Now @NSS_Now]

Socially isolated older adults are 4 to 5 times more likely to be admitted to hospital than older adults in general.