Spirituality For Social Isolation in a Patient with Cognitive Impairment

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I have worked for the past 3 years post-Covid to reach out to Veterans developing a Connection Plan. This method of intervention was introduced through an article by Dr. Kimberly A. Van Orden, Ph.D. I will link this article to our resources. The intervention incorporates the use of Motivational Interviewing, ABC's CBT, and active listening, person-centered sessions. We have conducted most of these by phone and some by Virtual connect F2F meetings. A mailed-out packet was sent to each person after the baseline visit with multiple VA and community resources to help them achieve their goals for physical activity and social connectedness. Mind goals were established based on the needs of the individual and could be reframed using ABC's CBT, or these could target lower TeleMoCA scores to improve cognition. Jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, artwork, word searches, and word game application suggestions were sent to the Veteran. Each initial packet also included COVID-19 safety information from the CDC and NIH exercise recommendations for older adults. We found local senior centers and libraries were great places for connection and activity. The positive effects of reconnection to spiritual resources as in a church are considered part of overall well-being. I hope this article makes what people might think is a slightly abstract area of spirituality and measuring things like health, activity, and socialization interesting and maybe even exciting. Because it is an issue that touches every human being on this planet in one way or another. More than anything else, and if nothing else, I hope you find this article thought-provoking.

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