The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging citizens to practice “social distancing” to slow the spread of COVID-19. To protect your senior loved ones from the coronavirus, the U.S. The CDC requests individuals keep at least a six-foot distance between people, avoiding crowds, canceling events, and staying away from sick people. Some states are even ordering residents to “shelter in place.”
Although social distancing may reduce the risk elderly adults face from COVID-19, it can leave seniors vulnerable to social isolation. Feelings of loneliness and social isolation in seniors have been linked to depression, worsening physical health, and increased stress and cognitive changes. Conversely, seniors who are socially active receive many physical and emotional benefits.
Although you may not be able to visit and spend quality time with your elderly loved ones, you can still stay in touch while protecting your loved one from COVID-19. There are plenty of creative ways for seniors to stay active and keep communicating while maintaining social distance, including:
Phone and video calls
Calling your elderly loved ones a few times a day can help reduce feelings of social isolation. Take time to share stories, tell jokes, solve riddles, play simple games, or read aloud with them. If possible, take advantage of video call apps like FaceTime or Skype and conference in multiple family members on the same call. Hearing loved one’s voices and seeing their faces will help brighten your beloved senior’s day.
Send letters
Give your elderly loved one a pleasant surprise by mailing letters. Let them know you are thinking of them and that they are dear to you. Remember not to limit yourself to just a written note. Receiving pressed flowers, burned CDs, printed photos, or even a grandchild’s art project can be a wonderful gift to open.
Book and movie groups
Pick a book or movie to read or watch, and then have a discussion about it over the phone or via video chat. Revisit a classic that both you and your loved one have enjoyed in the past or use this opportunity to try out a book or movie neither of you has read or seen before. Also, consider finding audiobooks or podcasts that you can both enjoy. Media is a great escape, and many seniors will relish the opportunity to exercise their minds by having an engaging conversation with their loved ones.
Virtual group meetings, events, or classes
In recent weeks, many religious organizations, senior centers, exercise studios, and other businesses and community groups have converted to a virtual format. They are now hosting classes, events, and meetings using Google Hangouts, Zoom, FaceTime, YouTube, and other Internet-based platforms. Do some research and help your loved one connect virtually with his or her favorite activities or community groups — and consider participating together, if possible. In addition to providing some enrichment and entertainment, participating together will give you and your loved one something to discuss afterward.
You may need to provide your loved one with verbal instructions over the phone to help them install software or apps, access websites, or get logged on. Although the technology may seem intimidating, it is essential to remind your loved one that keeping to regular routines as much as possible and having fun activities to look forward to will help to alleviate stress and promote a feeling of belonging despite not being able to participate in person.
Have supplies delivered
With many seniors staying home, running out of food or medications can be a real risk. Show your loved one that you are still thinking of them even if you are not able to be together right now by ordering groceries or meal deliveries to their home.
Amazon Alexa and Constant Companion
Visiting Angels® offers Constant Companion, a proprietary system that uses Amazon Alexa to help seniors live a safe and independent life while staying connected to their communities. Constant Companion responds to voice-activated medical alerts and summons help ASAP. It does not require any wearable devices and can even be used to call or send voice messages to loved ones. Constant Companion also includes an optional video chat feature and can read audiobooks, play games, and give medication reminders to your loved one.
Keeping seniors and other vulnerable populations safe through social distancing is vital as COVID-19 spreads. Although it can be tricky at times, there are plenty of ways to help older adults stay socially connected and not fall prey to feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
Feel free to call Visiting Angels Newton/Canton at 617-795-2727 if you have any questions about caring for your senior loved one.
About Visiting Angels Newton/Canton:
Visiting Angels Newton/Canton MA is an award-winning local home care agency providing high caliber in-home care services to the elderly and people with disabilities. Countless families have benefited from our home Alzheimer’s care, dementia care, companion care, senior care, respite support, transitional aid, and home care services in Westwood, Norwood, Brookline, Watertown, Needham, Dedham, Canton, Stoughton, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Chestnut Hill, Roslindale, and nearby towns. While essential personal in nature, the care provided by Visiting Angels Newton/Canton can make a significant impact on your loved one’s happiness and quality of life. Contact us today for a free in-home consultation!
We are staying Diligent
As the confirmed cases of COVID-19 continues to rise in our area, we are monitoring the situation and the advice from public health authorities. Visiting Angels remain committed to our responsibility as your home care provider during this time. We recognize that our Visiting Angels caregivers allow seniors to age safely and comfortably in their own homes, wherever that may be, and that some of our clients cannot get through the day or night without a home caregiver. We want to assure you that we are communicating to our caregivers to follow best practices, including hand-washing, and staying home if they are feeling ill or have traveled to Level 3 CDC countries.
