Virtual Park Bench Information

Whether to read the news with friends, discuss the neighborhood gossip, or share a box of chocolates, park benches have become symbols for the beauty, routine, and spontaneity of conversations in the senior community. With COVID-19, the closure of many parks (and park benches) has been a visible reminder of the limited opportunities senior citizens have to socialize now, particularly in nursing homes. All group activities and communal dining are cancelled, as recommended by the CDC. Visitations are restricted to specific compassionate care situations, e.g. end of life situations. Volunteers and non-essential staff can no longer see residents. As a result, nursing home residents (some of whom speak no English) are left with little to no social interactions. Virtual Park Bench has partnered with nursing homes to deliver virtual social opportunities for seniors. Based on each nursing home's language preferences and schedule, we pair volunteers to engage in 1-1 virtual conversations. From playing a game of bingo to sharing life stories to talking about the weather, volunteers are bringing joy and energy into senior residents' lives.