If you're looking for a new activity this holiday season, the Idaho Commission on Aging is encouraging writing letters to "those most lonely this holiday season."
Throughout the pandemic, residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities have been more isolated and lonely, the ICOA says.
“Theres so much loneliness going on but over the holidays," said Janet Miller, ICOA program planning and development coordinator. "Its just, you know what, its more extreme over the holidays because its a time that we associate with family and so just being able to connect with someone in that way makes a huge difference.”
The ICOA encourages sending letters to local retirement and assisted living facilities that can be addressed to "Any Resident" if you do not know someone specific and staff will distribute the letters to residents who receive little or no correspondence from friends and family.
You can write a letter, send a card, have your children draw a picture and send it to the facility of your choice, the ICOA says.
Looking for a place to send letters? Here are a few suggestions:
- Prestige Senior Living Karcher Estates at 1127 Caldwell Blvd, Nampa, ID 83651
- Prestige Assisted Living at Autumn Wind at 200 W Beech St, Caldwell, ID 83605
- Grace Assisted Living - Boise at 250 S. Allumbaugh St., Boise, ID 83709
- MorningStar Senior Living of Boise at 5850 N. Five Mile Rd, Boise, ID 83713
