Felton Institute launches life review program to address pandemic trauma in San Francisco

The San Francisco County government meeting on July 4, 2025, focused on a new pilot program aimed at addressing the mental health needs of residents in skilled nursing facilities. The initiative, developed in partnership with the Felton Institute, seeks to help residents process life stages and trauma, particularly the loneliness and isolation exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program, known as the life review pilot, aims to create supportive environments for residents to share their experiences. Funding from the Meta Fund will enable the program to expand its reach, with plans to include groups for Chinese, Russian, and African American residents. The goal is to integrate life review into the broader psychosocial support framework for these facilities.

During the meeting, officials requested $250,000 annually for three years to support the life review program and an additional $250,000 for enhancing teleconnectivity, which includes providing tablets and training for residents. The discussions highlighted the importance of incorporating recommendations from the behavioral health work group into the state's Master Plan for Aging.

Several officials expressed personal connections to the issues discussed, sharing their experiences of loss during the pandemic and emphasizing the need for improved mental health resources in skilled nursing facilities. The meeting concluded with a commitment to prioritize these initiatives and ensure that the community's needs are addressed effectively.