Digital Inclusion For Seniors

During the pandemic, many seniors in rural areas were isolated from their loved ones more than usual, and struggled more than ever to access healthcare in a safe, convenient way.
Palmetto Care Connections, Rural LISC and the SC Department on Aging stepped in to close the digital divide and help those seniors connect to both their doctors and their families.
Over the past year, 100 seniors living in Allendale, Barnwell, Clarendon, Lower Richland and Williamsburg received free tablets, free or discounted internet access, and digital literacy lessons. Digital navigators taught the seniors how to operate the tablet, research health information on the internet, identify cyber scams, and make telehealth calls.

“While PCC’s focus has traditionally been on serving rural healthcare providers with telehealth, broadband and technology resources, we have learned that patients need help in connecting to their health care providers,” said Kathy Schwarting, PCC’s Chief Executive Officer. “Residents of rural areas not only need internet access, they need access that is affordable and they need a device and knowledge to connect to resources for a better quality of life.”

As a result of the pilot program, the number of seniors with internet access doubled, and the participants who used telehealth increased from 13 percent to 100 percent. The program also helped the seniors use technology to connect with family and friends during the pandemic when many of them were even more isolated than usual. They learned how to create and use an email account, video chat with family and friends, and use apps to play games and make social connections.

Because the program was so successful, PCC has been able to leverage additional funding to expand the program and make it more inclusive. Now known as Palmetto Care Connections’ Palmetto Connect Digital Inclusion Solutions, the program includes the following initiatives:

– Digital Inclusion for Seniors

– Community Development Digital Inclusion: hands-on digital training to assist rural residents in developing digital life skills, assisting school-aged loved ones with virtual education, and searching and applying for jobs.

– Digital Refurbishment: will utilize high school and technical students to upgrade and refurbish used digital devices that can be redeployed to residents of rural and underserved communities who can benefit from these refurbished devices.

“What we have learned from the pilot project is that seniors living in rural areas are thirsty for digital knowledge. Especially in these pandemic times, seniors want to stay connected to family and friends, their doctors and the outside world. Digital training and internet access give them that opportunity,” Schwarting said.
“The enthusiasm of the seniors who completed the training was contagious! It has inspired us to want to spread this program throughout the state. That’s the power of rural – helping people improve their lives and being inspired by their gratitude.”