How to volunteer and donate in New Jersey during the coronavirus outbreak (12/20/20) Updated Dec 24, 2020; The holidays can be difficult for those coping with isolation. And, this year, the fight against the spread of the coronavirus has meant a necessary surge in social separation. For elderly individuals, loneliness can be especially difficult. At Harrogate, a not-for-profit life plan community in Lakewood, isolation of the residents has been a concern of the staffers this season. Kelly O’Toole, MSW, director of social services at Harrogate said, “COVID-19 has had such an impact on everyone, especially our seniors. The impact social isolation has on older adults can be detrimental. It not only affects their mental health but their overall well-being. It has been hard for all of our residents at Harrogate to have such a change in their routine both inside and outside of Harrogate. They’ve had to adapt to the ‘new normal’ which hasn’t been easy for them. Not being able to have regular visits with their families has been the most difficult.”