Staying Connected Online
For
many of us who are staying at home during this pandemic, the internet has
become the principal source of action and connection. Many doctors are now
practicing tele-medicine over the internet. Groceries, pharmaceuticals, clothing,
and more can be ordered through the internet, without setting foot out the
door.
But
these opportunities are only meaningful if everybody has a strong internet
connection – and knows how to use it!
For
the elderly population, this may not be so simple. Inability to connect
remotely with family and friends causes so many to feel even more isolated and
lonely, due to the extreme quarantine measures especially in nursing homes.
Unless a person has at least some internet service available, and the skills to
know how to use it, this epidemic imposes barriers to quality of life, banking,
health care, social networks, government services, and education. And the
effects of this virus are likely to be felt into the future as the “new
normal,” especially for the most vulnerable among us.
It’s
for those reasons that internet is increasingly recognized as vital
infrastructure.
LEARNING
OPPORTUNITIES
Young
family members might like nothing better than to be asked to help an elder
learn internet ways and means. Or, here is a collection of some online tutorial
sources:
Here
is a downloadable educational booklet from the British Broadcasting Company. It
has important information on computer security.
Or,
the organization Senior
Planet is there to “harness technology to change the
way we age.” Their programs “help seniors learn new skills, save money, get in
shape, and make new friends.” Most courses are free and help seniors learn a
wide variety of computer basics, digital photography, social media, online job
searches, even how to make a website.
What
if you have no service or unreliable service?
Two
years ago, fifty-eight percent of Americans living in rural settings said that
access to high speed internet was a problem. Source: Pew
Research Study
This
lack of reliable internet is particularly critical for seniors, who have already
been cut off from health-care providers and family. Even if some internet
access is there, if the service isn’t up to speed, a tele-visit to doctors or
lawyers or family is no longer possible.
To
provide vital internet infrastructure, partnerships between service providers
and government is essential. Private expertise and public funding can work
together to increase broadband access to under-served areas of the country. An
effort by the Federal Communications Commission to subsidize access has
hit a roadblock, but it is hoped that the effort will
go forward in some form. In the meantime, the FCC has published a long list of internet
service providers offering assistance in response to
the pandemic, with links to access the providers.
Some
states, municipalities, and service providers have joined in the effort. This
April, to increase broadband access in California, Google
furnished students with devices and set up 100,000 wifi
access points, free for three months.
In
New York City, even before the pandemic hit, Mayor DeBlasio announced a
plan to build fiber optic lines to provide
universal broadband in the five boroughs.
Comcast
has made wifi
service available across the country, for a limited
time, in response to the epidemic.
Private
service-providers are also offering special deals to those who qualify.
All in all, so many good things come
through the internet. It’s simply essential these days to be electronically
connected, to stay healthy, mentally vigorous and informed, and to forge the
social bonds that are so vital to well-being.
If you have questions or would like to
talk with us about your planning needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We
offer online meetings if easier for you and your loved ones.
Elder Law of Omaha provides a range of services to our clients including estate planning, asset preservation trusts, long-term care Medicaid planning, and more. If you would like to discuss how to plan for your future, call our firm today at (402) 614-6400 to schedule your free initial attorney consultation.
Visit our website at www.ElderLawOmaha.com.
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