The United Way of St. Clair County has approved a grant for Life Skills Centers, Inc. The grant will help the organization to purchase mobile devices to help combat social isolation.
Life Skills Centers, Inc. has centers in Fort Gratiot, Port Huron, Capac, and Marine City in St. Clair County. They have several others throughout Macomb and Oakland counties. They assist adults with developmental and physical disabilities in the community.
The mobile devices allow for telehealth visits and coaching of caregivers. Caregiver Karen Trisch, a user of one of the devices, said, “It makes me more comfortable sharing my story with someone when I can see the person’s face. Being able to see who I am talking to helps to develop a connection.” She went on to say, “Having a caregiver ‘coach’ to give me advice and support while going through the hardest times would be like someone throwing me a lifeline.”
Clients of Life Skills Centers, Inc. are at higher risk for the negative consequences of social isolation. Age, pre-existing conditions, and difficulty wearing face masks are prolonging the isolation as leaving the house or having visitors is difficult.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
