Bridging the Digital Divide

Sienna Senior Living

By Cutright Elizabeth on Mar 2, 2016 in People

We live in an increasingly connected society, with unlimited data at our fingertips and the ability to communicate quickly with friends and family living next door or half-way ‘round the world. There’s an ease and level of expectation we take for granted when it comes to bending the latest technology to our will, but for many senior citizens, modern digital tools and gadgets often seem complicated and out of reach.

It’s a generational gap the Cyber-Seniors program hopes to bridge through its innovative approach to senior education. For Sienna Senior Living, participating in the program is a natural extension of the company’s commitment to providing its clients with comfort, independence and “the warmth of human connection” through its forward thinking, resident-centered approach to senior care.

The brainchild of two teenage sisters inspired by the impact of the Internet on the lives of their own grandparents, Cyber Seniors began in earnest in 2009. Through the program, high school students help seniors develop a technology skill set that allows them to use computers, the internet and other digital tools to connect with friends, family and their community.

Over the years, the program has collaborated with the University of Toronto Occupational and Therapy Masters Program and Sienna Senior Living to develop a best practice resource manual to ease implementation of similar programs throughout Canada across all Sienna Senior Living Retirement Residences and Long Term Care Homes. Last year’s pilot projects involved residents at the Cedarvale and Villa Leonardo retirement communities.

As Sonia Roul, Recreation and Leisure Consultant for Sienna Senior Living’s Long Term Care Division, explains, the Cyber-Seniors “empowers the residents to go beyond their walls and explore what the world of technology can offer them.”

“Our hope was to help our residents connect with their loved ones in a new way,” says Roul, “while also providing them with the opportunity to connect on a human level with a much younger generation.”

Refreshed Spirits and Enhanced Health

For those involved in the project, the Cyber Seniors program is more than just a computer class; it’s a source of life enrichment for all the participants. By pairing interested retirees with volunteer high school students, the Cyber Seniors program creates a cooperative, mutually rewarding learning environment.

The hope is that the program will prompt meaningful, multi-generational conversations and inspire new interests amongst residences in the senior living communities.

For Sienna Living, the appeal of the Cyber Seniors program primarily involves the chance to create bonds and build connections between residents and the community. As a source of entertainment and physical and psychological enhancement, the program aims high and hits the mark. As seniors become more comfortable accessing the World Wide Web and using YouTube, Skype and more, they broaden their horizons and connect with the outside world while also building long-lasting friendships.

“Breaking down the barriers of communication through learning and development truly does wonder for the residents and students involved,” declares Roul.

“The bonds created between the students and the residents were unexpectedly powerful,” Roul explains. “They were able to create connections with past lifestyles, and there was a mutual exploration across natural areas of interest.”

The seniors are full of admiration for their teen advisers, dazzled by their ability to navigate the online universe, and heartened by the supportive and encouraging learning environment created by their young instructors.

“To see them be so young but know so much is amazing,” explains a Cedarvale resident in a video about the program.

For the teens, the benefits of assuming the mantle of Cyber Senior instructor allows them the opportunity to experience leadership roles while also forging intergenerational relationships.

“It feels awesome,” declares a teen participant in the video. “It feels like you’re bridging the gap between the past and now.”

Broadened Horizons and Deepened Connections

In June of 2014, the Sienna Senior Living’s Cedarvale Lodge Retirement and Care Community in Keswick Ontario collaborated with Keswick High School to launch its inaugural Cyber-Seniors program. After a two-week training period, the teens paired up with their senior students to review the training manual, create worksheets and provide instruction on iPads and computers. Upon completion of the 8-week course, Cedarvale Lodge hosted a graduation ceremony full of traditional regalia including caps and gowns, speeches, and a party for family and friends.

At Villa Leonardo, meanwhile, administrators found themselves facing a language barrier and finding adequate funding and manpower. Eventually, a 4-week pilot project was completed in concert with University of Toronto Occupational Therapy students.

“There were many challenges,” admits Roul. “Deciding on a program location and figuring out how to provide internet accessibility. We needed hardware systems and funding. Most importantly, we needed to get buy-in from residents and support of local community agencies like the library and high school.”

Nevertheless, Roul believes the hard work is worth the payoff.

“There was an impressive and obvious sense of joy,” Roul continues. “The families of our residents were impressed by what we achieved and were overjoyed to have the opportunity to connect with their loved ones in a more accessible way.”

Inspiring an Industry

Roul, who headed up the Villa Leonardo program, hopes the results she and her colleagues achieved motivate other senior living communities to follow suit.

“I strongly feel that if other facilities saw the extreme benefits they too would know why Cyber Seniors works,” she says. “I would love to see all of our Care Communities implement this innovative program.”

“If we can expand their knowledge and heighten their interest through exposure to internet technology and interactions with our high school volunteers,” she continues, “we can empower and inspire our residents, and truly help them lives their lives fully every day.”

Accolades and Future Plans

In November of this year, Sienna’s Cyber Seniors program was awarded the Quality Improvement Innovation of the Year award from the Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA).

“Words cannot describe how proud and overwhelming to receive the award,” says Roul.

“It is tremendous to know that Sienna’s collaborative vision with Cyber Seniors not only came to fruition, but was recognized for its innovation and positive outcomes for both the residents and teens and the bonds they created with one another.”

Roul is unequivocal in her belief that Sienna Living’s participation in the Cyber Seniors program not only helps residents and the surrounding community, it also helps the facilities themselves reach new levels of care and commitment.

“Our residents deserve the best we can offer them,” she concludes, “and this is one way to demonstrate our commitment to their care.

“It is imperative to be forward thinking and to explore all that we can offer our residents so that they can live fully every day.”

A documentary on the Cyber Seniors program was released earlier this year. You can also watch Sienna Living’s video about a recent Cyber Seniors graduation here.

About Sienna Senior Living

Sienna Senior Living is one of the largest providers of long-term care in Ontario Canada. With more than 5,500 residents in 35 long-term care communities and 1000 residents in 10 retirement residences, Sienna Living’s facilities stretch across Ontario and British Columbia. Sienna Senior Living aims to “awaken our communities to the positive possibilities of life’s next chapters,” through respect, responsibility, teamwork and passion.