Seniors in Rural West Virginia Find Connection, Community and Emergency Support Through Assistive Technology
Preston County, West Virginia – Oct 8, 2025
The events of the Covid-19 Pandemic first led Preston County Senior Citizens Inc. to launch the “Expanding Horizons” program, a pioneering initiative funded by a special grant from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR). This program aimed to mitigate the challenges of isolation among seniors in Rural Appalachia by providing them with Claris Companion tablets, thus significantly enhancing their access to essential services and community resources.
As of 2025, the program has been running successfully for over 4 years now providing connectivity and access (to essential services) to older adults across rural West Virginia.
Inception and Implementation
The realization of the impact of social isolation on seniors during the pandemic led Preston County Senior Citizens Inc. to seek innovative solutions. Observations by home-delivered meals drivers—often the only human contact for seniors—underscored the urgency of addressing this isolation. The grant from WVDHHR presented an opportunity to leverage technology to bridge the gap, leading to the procurement of Claris Companion tablets designed to facilitate connectivity and ease of use among seniors.
The introduction of these tablets marked a significant turning point in the lives of Preston County’s seniors, who had no home internet connection and were not comfortable using technology.
Since the Claris Companion tablets come with an unlimited internet connection and are designed to be used by seniors that have little or no experience using technology, the participants of the program quickly took to the devices and acquired a channel of communication with their loved ones and caregivers.
The program’s success is reflected in compelling statistics that illustrate the profound engagement and active participation of seniors with the technology. The following metrics show usage during the month of September, 2025.
These statistics not only demonstrate the active engagement of seniors with the tablets but also highlight the effectiveness of the “Expanding Horizons” program in reducing social isolation and enhancing the quality of life for its participants.
Vital Support During Times of Emergency
Besides providing a vital channel of communication between the seniors and their caregivers, the program has also allowed some participants to receive help during natural disasters and emergencies. One such incident occurred during a hurricane when phone lines were down. The internet connection on a participants’ Claris Companion tablet was the only mode of communication she has with the outside world. Thankfully, emergency notifications on the tablet allowed her to communicate with caregivers at Preston County Seniors Services and evacuate the area before her home was partially destroyed.
Sustainability and Future Directions
Despite the evident success, programs like these are reliant on continued government funding. Efforts to secure continued support include applying for a United Way grant, reflecting the uniqueness and potential for impact of the “Expanding Horizons” program. Furthermore, plans to integrate these tablets into the organization’s in-home care program aim to further enhance communication and support for seniors, illustrating a commitment to continuous improvement and expansion of services.
Conclusion
The “Expanding Horizons” program by Preston County Senior Services stands as a testament to the transformative power of technology in addressing social isolation among seniors in rural West Virginia. Through targeted digital literacy efforts, the program has not only bridged the digital divide but also fostered a sense of community and belonging among its participants. As the program looks to the future, its legacy of innovation, connectivity, and empowerment continues to inspire and guide efforts to enhance the lives of seniors through technology.
About Preston County Citizens Inc.
Led by Executive Director Tina Turner, Preston County Senior Citizens, Inc. is a non-profit social service agency providing services to adults aged 60 and better (and their spouses) in Preston County, West Virginia. Our goal is to aid older Prestonians with living more independently and remaining active in their retirement years. No dues or membership fees are required to be a member.
