LivingWell sees value in continuing online platform beyond COVID19

GENEVA – Counselors at LivingWell Cancer Resource Center, 442 Williamsburg Ave., Geneva, started a video series in late April to share insight and feedback for coping with life as a patient, caregiver or bereaved individual during the COVID-19 stay-at-home order and the center’s temporary closure during that time, according to a news release.

The series features three counselors who discuss topics like anxiety, isolation, loneliness and grief.

They initially asked participants to confidentially email questions, but recognized that was challenging for some. When the counselors created a poll to decide what topic to focus on next, it resulted in their highest viewership yet, the release stated.

Since the counselors aren’t able to meet with participants in-person at this time, they’re using the series to not only share helpful information but to also add a personal touch that makes it more relatable.

Staff now sees more opportunity to use video as a tool, even beyond the coronavirus pandemic, the release stated.

LivingWell lead oncology counselor Missy Petty stated in the release that by “asking people to email us meant sitting with their own feelings, figuring out how to articulate that and then feeling comfortable sharing it with us.”

“It’s a vulnerable thing to do, and so by asking participants to vote on a topic, it felt like asking a lot less of them while still letting them interact,” Petty stated in the release.

LivingWell Director Angela McCrum stated in the release that from the mental health aspect, everyone is going through their own challenges.

“People with cancer are even more isolated and having to go to appointments alone at this time,” McCrum stated in the release. “The virtual platform and technology are so vital right now to negate the many challenges COVID-19 has brought on.”

The center sees the value in continuing to offer online services even after COVID-19.

When participants are going through treatment, they often cancel in-person counseling sessions due to exhaustion or other side effects.

Now that counselors and participants are more comfortable using video, they can choose telehealth appointments and have the added bonus of the content that is available through social media.

“Therapists generally prefer to do things in-person,” Petty stated in the release. “You do lose things when not in the same room together. But we recognize it doesn’t serve us to be purists, this is something we can take going forward to serve people with cancer. We’re prepared to find ways to continue, whether it’s sessions or groups.”

The LivingWell Facebook page has over 2,400 followers and one of their “Ask a Counselor” videos, which focused on quick stress-busting tips, received over 1,700 views – a high rate of engagement that reaches beyond its immediate community, the release stated.

This also opens LivingWell’s services to people outside the Geneva area, such as those who live closer to Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital.

“Having this platform and doing things on a virtual level blows those geographical boundaries out of the water,” McCrum stated in the release.

“It’s really interesting to now have this on a virtual platform because the whole premise of Northwestern Medicine is bringing quality care to your community,” McCrum stated in the release. “Now, LivingWell is accessible to so many more community members. Where you live is no longer a barrier for utilizing the services available through LivingWell.”

The counselors at LivingWell share their videos on YouTube as well as Facebook.