The Behavioral Wellness Community Wellness Team is helping to keep seniors connected through the holidays with its Senior Bridge Program designed to provide support to older adults through the season and beyond.

The program offers friendly phone calls to seniors from volunteers at Hospice of Santa Barbara. Those interested in the Senior Bridge Program can call the Community Wellness Team, 805-364-2750, and sign up to get just one call or to receive them regularly.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, seniors have been among the most vulnerable of groups, not only for physical health reasons, but also for their mental health. Studies report that loneliness among older adults has increased significantly over the past year.

In addition to the current stress of living life in a pandemic, and the social isolation being experienced by older adults, many seniors may be residents of a living facility that is not permitting family visitors, even if socially distanced.

Loneliness and social isolation for older adults have a deep emotional impact, sometimes leading to depression and anxiety, and can even have a significant impact on their physical health.

“Holidays can be lonely times of the year for older adults who may not live near their families” says Suzanne Grimmesey, MFT, of the Santa Barbra County Department of Behavioral Wellness.

Holidays also carry memories and feel like a time when family should be around. And this year, due to COVID-19 safety measures, many older adults will not be surrounded by family as they normally would be.

“Not being able to look forward to time spent with family over the holidays can have a profound impact on the mental health of older adults who are already feeling isolated,” Grimmesey said.

To learn more about Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness visit http://countyofsb.org/behavioral-wellness. For help accessing Behavioral Wellness services, call the 24/7 toll-free Crisis Response and Services Access Line, 888-868-1649.