The COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly difficult for older adults. For many, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a loss of social connections. Studies show that, if left unaddressed, social isolation and loneliness can have serious negative mental and physical health consequences. To help combat this aspect of the pandemic, TCOA created this page to provide a place to turn to for social engagement opportunities and other resources to support positive mental health throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some items listed may be time limited or season specific.

Staying Connected and Healthy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Resources for Older Adults and Caregivers (English)

Staying Connected and Healthy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Resources for Older Adults and Caregivers (Spanish)

CEI-CMH COVID-19 Support Line

The Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties is offering a support line for those in need of someone to talk to. If you are struggling with feelings of isolation/loneliness; are sick or caring for a sick person; are a first responder or other essential employee struggling with burnout/anxiety/depression; or just need someone to listen during the ongoing pandemic, contact CEI-CMH’s COVID-19 Support Line at 517-237-7100. The line is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
The support line is available to anyone in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties. You do not need to be using CEI-CMH services or have a mental health diagnosis of any kind. This line should not be used for crisis calls or medical emergencies. The support line is not meant to take the place of therapy/counseling or to treat or diagnose any physical or mental health condition. If the mental health professional determines that the issue is more severe than the support line can manage, they will refer to appropriate resources.

GetSetUp

GetSetUp is a platform with 150 virtual, interactive classes for Michigan’s older adults. This platform can help older adults overcome loneliness and isolation (especially during the COVID-19 pandemic) through virtual social activities and also learn about a variety of topics, including how to use technology, that help them socially engage and remain mentally active. Many of the 150 classes to choose from are offered on a daily basis, taught by seniors, for seniors. Through a partnership with the state of Michigan, these classes are available to older adults in Michigan completely free of charge. This is the link to the classes: https://www.getsetup.io/michigan

Stay Well

This year has been challenging on many levels. If you would like to join a virtual support group or get emotional support from a Stay Well counselor, call  1-888-535-6136 and press “8.” StayWell Counselors are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.  Find more mental health and COVID resources at Michigan.gov/StayWell

 

Michigan Warmline

The Michigan Warmline is a peer-run support line that is intended to help Michiganders living with persistent, significant mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma, connect with a trained and experienced individual who can empower the caller and provide assurance. The warmline operates seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. at 888-PEER-753 (888-733-7753). While this line is available to all Michiganders, this line provides focused support to Medicaid beneficiaries, who are prone to experiencing social isolation and would benefit from increased connectedness and assistance in accessing health services.

The warmline is not a crisis line, so individuals experiencing a crisis are urged to contact the Disaster Distress Helpline 24/7 at 800-985-5990 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at 800-273-8255.

engAGED

Staying OK: Tips for Supporting Your Social Connections and Emotional Wellness is a consumer-friendly brochure that provides older adults with social engagement tips and tools to stay connected to their communities as well as suggestions for ways older adults can connect to mental health services and supports if needed.