Real People, Real Processes, Real Success

Creating connections among community resources and healthcare facilities provides a pathway for individuals to come full circle from a personal crisis to a personal transformation. Recognizing an individual in need and guiding them to the support services necessary to lift themselves from a desperate situation is a skill every South Dakotan should possess.

The Crisis Prevention and Recovery Best Practice Briefs series will highlight basic tools to recognize and assist an individual in crisis, resources available to reduce the risk of a crisis, and programs and services to reinforce change after a major intervention or treatment program.

⇒ Extending Independent Living through Social Interaction
December 1, 2021 | 12:00 PM CT

Maintaining independence becomes challenging for aging individuals who lack a social support network. In addition, many individuals 65 and over are managing chronic health conditions or physical limitations. Better Together connects these individuals with volunteers to provide companionship and social interaction.

Amy Feterl, Better Together coordinator at Lutheran Social Services, will provide an overview of the program and share the impact of the program to extend independent living and improve quality of life.

Objectives:

• Describe the value of social interaction for maintaining independent living
• Recognize individuals who may benefit from the Better Together program
• Explain the long-term impact for the individual and community

A partnership event of the Great Plains Quality Innovation Network and the South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care