It is critical to support the social and emotional needs of older adults in our communities, especially
due to COVID-19’s continued restrictions.
January 21, 2021 – Bend, Ore – The Council on Aging of Central Oregon today announced it has
launched Caring Connections, a new program that connects volunteers with isolated seniors in the tri-
county via weekly phone calls. Through the Caring Connections program, a simple weekly phone call
can mean the world to seniors who do not have regular contact with friends or family.
Seniors are at the highest risk of developing more serious illness from COVID-19 and are being asked to
be the most vigilant about social distancing. But loneliness doesn’t have to be a side effect of COVID-
19.
“Our new Caring Connections program offers two direct benefits to isolated seniors,” states Council on
Aging Executive Director, Susan Rotella. “The program provides seniors with a meaningful and
consistent connection with a local community member and doubles as a safety check on their well-
being, providing peace of mind to participants and their families.”
Caring Connections volunteers provide companionship and social contact to older adults through weekly
phone calls. The special relationship that can develop between a client and a volunteer may last well
beyond this time of social and physical distancing. Greater social interaction is known to help older
adults to maintain healthy, independent living. All Caring Connections volunteers are trained and
background checked.
The program is designed to support seniors 60+ who may be living alone or have limited family support
or limited connection with people on a day-to-day basis. The program offers isolated seniors a great way
to make new friends during the pandemic. The program serves older adults in Deschutes, Jefferson and
Crook counties.
If you are a senior interested in joining our Caring Connections program or know an older adult who
would be a good fit for connecting to a volunteer weekly, please visit
https://www.councilonaging.org/find-help/caring-connections/ to learn more about the program or call
us at (541) 678-5483.
