The COVID-19 pandemic is sweeping the globe and right now many of us feel disconnected. We’re separated from our families and friends but the older adult population has been disproportionately affected. Beyond physical health concerns, our elderly community is dealing with feelings of loneliness and isolation.
It’s important that we check in on loved ones during this time. There are many ways to stay connected while following social distancing guidelines. Utilizing technology and dedicating time, we can maintain strong and consistent connections with loved ones without ever having to leave the house.
Upholding the strong bonds with older loved ones is essential. As a senior care resource, we want to share some ideas of ways to stay connected although we are physically apart:
- Schedule regular calls and if possible, make them video calls.
- Start up a virtual book club. Start reading the same book together, then check in to discuss it.
- Pick a pen pal and send regular handwritten notes full of love, support, and humor. If you need writing prompts, consider:
- Encourage older adult to share memories or stories from the past
- Tell a shared memory that will make the reader smile
- Ask questions about favorite things, and list yours as well
- Start watching TV shows or movies at the same time, then check in to discuss them.
- Start a text or email chain about good articles to read, videos to watch, podcasts to listen to, songs to listen to, etc. Provide links so content is easier to find.
- Write cards with uplifting Bible verses, positive quotes, encouragement and sunshine.
- Send an inexpensive subscription of Reminiscence Magazine to older loved ones and schedule virtual chats about content, such as classic movies and TV shows, vintage photos and nostalgic stories.
We hope you will find these ideas helpful. We encourage you to reach out and connect with your older adult loved ones. Let them know how much you care and be the ray of sunshine in their life. Join us and #makethebestofCOVID19…we are all in this together!
