Reducing Tunnel Vision: Helping Seniors during COVID-19
February 18, 2021 9PM EDT/6PM PT
Whether you are a senior yourself or a caregiver, receiving and providing support can be challenging. Along the way we may have developed ‘tunnel vision’. This webinar explored the breadth of this challenge, as well as some specific needs encountered by seniors during the pandemic, as indicated from one Area Agency on Aging. This webinar discussed the challenges that existed before and will share some impacts of the pandemic. This webinar provided a framework for considering individuals and their needs, resources, and practical approaches.
Summary:
1. Tunnel Vision is the tendency to focus exclusively on a single point of view, not seeing the larger picture. Tunnel vision about aging can hinder our own self -concept and the opportunities we seek to be supportive of others.
2. Multiple factors, including environment and resources, contributed to the challenges/struggles that seniors faced before the pandemic, and the pandemic intensified them.
3. Besides food, other impacts were less obvious. Intensified caregiving in the home is another potential ‘blind spot’.
4. Among the challenges that were exacerbated, social isolation and loneliness were prevalent, and carry significant risks to one’s health.
5. Tunnel vision focuses on struggles, ignoring strengths…. among them, resilience.
6. When desiring to support seniors, be ‘person centered.’ The voice, values, and strengths of the individual are integral to person -centered planning and assisting.
7. Having reduced our tunnel vision, we find that each senior is unique, and the situations and challenges, are expansive. There are many practical ways to be supportive. Let us seek The Spirit’s illumination to discern our next one step….
Reducing Tunnel Vision Resources.pdf
Guest Presenter: Pamela Bridgeforth
Pamela Bridgeforth is a person-centered gerontologist who enjoys ‘hearing people’s stories.’ Pamela began her career as a physical therapist obtaining a BS in Physical Therapy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her initial work in acute care hospitals, home health, and nursing homes, sparked her desire for advocacy for older adults and she continued her education at Virginia Commonwealth University, obtaining a Master of Science in Physical Therapy, in a dual program combining courses from the Departments of Physical Therapy and Gerontology.
Pamela developed an interest in disability ministry, health and wellness, and healthcare access in the church and community. Thus, she obtained a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Union Presbyterian Seminary. She utilizes these intersecting threads to see the ‘whole person’ as she works with older adults and families as a Care Coordinator at Senior Connections, the Capital Area Agency on Aging, sharing perspectives, options, and resources. Additional roles have included being a Care Transitions coach, Chronic Disease Self- Management and Matter of Balance facilitator, and advanced care planning serves as a deacon and Sunday School teacher in Riverview Baptist Church, an AB church in Richmond Virginia.
Watch On Demand