This division of Burriss Consulting, Inc started in 2023, and we are growing the business to reach more seniors and caregivers who need the help we provide.
Mission Statement:
Helping older adults to feel a sense of belonging and to use technology with fewer risks and fears.
Why is this important?
In October 2023, the US Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, put out an 82-page report titled "Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation." I am also reading his book Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World
In May 2024, the FBI reported 880,000 Elder Fraud cases valued at >$12.5 Billion - FBI Elder Fraud Cases, and these are only the reported cases.
In Vivek Murthy's book "Together," I learned that when seniors share their stories, it benefits their physical and mental well-being while also strengthening communities and fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
These reports resonated with me as I have recently visited friends and business associates who are now living in independent living and even assisted living facilities, who are struggling with loneliness and fraud. Even some of my older family and friends living in their homes face the same challenges.
Who will this program serve:
Older adults who live in their homes.
Older adults in independent living facilities and/or CCRCs
Some older adults living in assisted living facilities
Some older adults living in other environments could benefit from this program.
Other related groups of people could benefit from these programs.
Where are these programs being delivered?
Across the Triad of NC:
CCRCs (Continuous Care Retirement Centers)
Independent Living Centers
Assisted Living Centers
Local libraries, YMCAs, Community Centers, Churches, Rec Centers, and Senior Centers across the Triad
How often will these programs be held?
I want to grow the program to 4 sessions a week across multiple communities. Morning and afternoon sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, &/or Thursdays. Possible weekend events, where appropriate.
We will prepare to scale if needed with additional presenters, locations, and sessions.
What will be the primary format for these programs?
1-hour group sessions focused on a different relevant topic each time.
Engaging conversations - no slide decks during these sessions.
We use our YouTube Channel, Website, social media, and other platforms to support the primary program format of in-person conversations.
How many people do you plan to have in the sessions?
Based on what we are seeing today (1 year in), each session could have 10-15 people in attendance.
What information do we collect from attendees?
For those willing to share, I plan to collect their names only. Primarily for tracking purposes. We will never share names or contact information of our attendees with our partners, except where an individual asks us to do so.
What messaging will go to these attendees?
Where possible, we send a single follow-up message, rich in resources and relevant content, to the community leaders to share with residents via the portal or other messaging channels.