Therapist running support group with male patient during session at home office
(Credit: Maskot / Getty Images)

A Florida continuing care retirement community has formed resident support groups to help residents develop social connections and friendships in the wake of pandemic isolation.

Noel Trachtenberg, a resident of Palm Beach Gardens-based La Posada, a Kisco Senior Living community in Palm Beach Gardens, came up with the idea for support groups after noticing that many residents continued to self-isolate even after restrictions were lifted by the end of 2020.

“In addition to effects from the pandemic, we realized many residents needed support, as they were recently widowed or had a spouse in memory care,” said Trachtenberg, who previously chaired the Independent Living Health Committee at the community.

The result is four support groups, two each for men and women, that work to change the conversation about mental health and older adults by providing comfort, guidance and social connection. 

The women’s circles are guided by DeeAnn Vera, who first began working with the community to bring creative classes to residents. She saw an opportunity to further connect women within the community on a more intentional level. Using her counseling background to guide group discussions, Vera created safe spaces where topics that most affect older adults — downsizing, grief, community living and sense of purpose — could be addressed.

“Although many women were participating in the creativity classes together, many didn’t know each other well,” she said. 

Andrea Stripling, a West Palm Beach clinical psychologist, directs the men’s groups. In addition to creating a place for the male residents to interact and bond, the groups were created to present an opportunity for conversations that are more unorthodox among men’s typical social circles.

“Obtaining and maintaining friendships as an older adult is vital to overall quality of life,” La Posada Wellness Director Rick Minichino said. “Especially during periods of time where seniors are feeling isolated, these topics are important to discuss and address to ensure that seniors always have the support they need in their corner.”

The community said that residents have developed friendships that now extend into attending events and activities — and even forming their own support groups. La Posada is exploring options to make meetings available over Zoom for residents unable to attend in person.

“The introduction of this type of programming is more vital than ever, and we are already able to observe the lasting, positive impact it is having throughout the community,” La Posada Executive Director Brad Cadiere said.