Project INCLUDE: Addressing Social Isolation and Loneliness
- Organization: Central Michigan University
- Project Title: Project INCLUDE: Addressing Social Isolation and Loneliness
- Program Representative Interviewed: Dr. Jyotsna Pandey & Alexander Forrest
- Location: Michigan
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Program Overview:
Project INCLUDE: Addressing Social Isolation and Loneliness is a project that focuses on reducing
loneliness and social isolation among rural older adults living independently in central Michigan and
within the Presbyterian Villages of Michigan, a nonprofit, faith-based organization that has
facilities for independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, and stay and play
services. INCLUDE is a joint effort between Central Michigan University College of Medicine and the
Presbyterian Villages of Michigan with support from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. INCLUDE's
collaborative care model employs strategies to identify older adults at risk for or experiencing
loneliness and isolation, engages community-based organizations, and educates community-based
healthcare professionals to prevent and alleviate isolation and loneliness and enhance well-being
among older adults. Components of the program include:
- Five, hour-long sessions on social isolation and loneliness, anxiety, grief, and sadness
- Sharing strategies to help older adults manage feelings
- Supporting older adults in developing healthy behaviors to reduce risk factors for social isolation and loneliness
- Involvement of coordinators and peer champions
- Survey to assess levels of social isolation and loneliness after the five sessions