Senior Connections

Supporting Older Adult Community Members This Winter

As the winter approaches, your local librarians encourage you and your family to reach out to our older community members. According to recent studies, not only are older adults at a higher risk for infection or death due to the coronavirus, but social isolation has led to nearly one in every four adults aged 64+ reporting feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. 

To help you better interact in safe ways with older adults outside of your immediate household, the Tomah Public Library has created senior activity kits, and is providing giveaways for seniors and caregivers this holiday season and throughout the winter. To learn more about Senior Connections programming, giveaways, and services your library is providing this winter, visit tomahpubliclibrary.org

How can you safely reach out to the older adults in your life? Our librarians have some ideas for you! Here are some examples and ways your local library can help: 

• Schedule a phone or video chat with a friend, neighbor, or loved one. For inspiration, borrow a set of Caring Cards with conversation starters for all ages and interests. 
• Remind your loved one that you’re thinking about them. We have activity books, arts and crafts kits, and other giveaways perfect to include in a contact-free care package. We also have Boredom Buster Kits containing single-player games and solo activities to deliver to a senior in your life.
• Record a phone or Zoom conversation about your family’s history. We have digital voice recorders available to borrow with your library card. 
• Borrow a robotic companion dog or cat to provide comfort and companionship
• Help your loved one attend a digital event. Check out the La Crosse Public Library’s Monday Mornings at Main virtual lecture series or McIntosh Memorial (Viroqua) Library’s Conversations program. 
  • For more information about Monday Mornings at Main, go to lacrosselibrary.org/monday or contact Heather Miller at the La Crosse Public Library by emailing hmiller@lacrosselibrary.org or by calling Heather at 608-789-7125. 
  • For more information about virtual humanities programming with McIntosh Memorial Library, which are offered live on Zoom and rebroadcast on local community television, visit mcintoshmemoriallibrary.org/ or call 608-637-7151.
• Hold a one-to-one book club over the phone or via Zoom with an older friend, neighbor, or relative. Your librarian is happy to give a recommendation.

Please remind library users you know who are used to taking advantage of in-person library services that library staff is available for online or phone support, readers’ advisory, and other virtual or contactless services. Although some library services and hours may be temporarily limited, the staff at the Tomah Library is working to meet the needs of community members in all sorts of creative ways. 

Thank you to Bader Philanthropies, Inc., for their sponsorship of Senior Connections library programming this winter. Bader Philanthropies, located in Milwaukee, serves communities across the state, supporting initiatives that help older adults stay safe, healthy, and independent, and creating opportunities for older adults to learn and use technology in order to stay connected with family and friends. 

Let us spread kindness and compassion this winter! For information about borrowing a Senior Connection Kit, picking up an activity or giveaway, or for details about Senior Connections programming and services at your nearest library, visit us at tomahpubliclibrary.org

For information about getting a library card or getting a library card in not-so-good standing back into good standing, please call the library at 608-374-7470 or email tomah_public_library@yahoo.com. We’re here to help you find your perfect book, or just to lend an attentive ear.