How to Stay Connected as You Social Distance

As COVID-19 continues to spread across the country, it has never been more important to practice social distancing. Although the virus can cause severe illness to people in any age group, our elderly community is most at risk, making social distancing for them even more necessary. 

Social distancing prevents the spread of the virus, but it does come at a cost for seniors who might no longer have the social connections they need to enjoy a high quality of life. Social isolation could put seniors at risk for anxiety, depression, and other potentially serious mental conditions. And these could lead to physical issues as well.

We know that isolation can increase the buildup of plaque in arteries and inflammation in the brain. It can also weaken the immune system, which is especially concerning because a healthy immune system is needed to fight against infectious diseases like COVID-19.

That’s why it’s essential to stay connected with your elderly loved ones as you keep them safe by social distancing. The good news is that there are so many ways to keep in contact and connected even if you can’t visit one another in person. If you are looking for ways to stay in touch with an older loved one, here are a few ideas to keep in mind:

Things to Do While Social Distancing

Schedule a Video Chat

There are a wide variety of free communication tools available to help family and friends stay connected. Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet are some of the more well-known programs out there. You can also FaceTime if both of you have smartphones. If not, a simple phone call is always a welcome way to stay connected and talk about all of the fun things you’re doing at home.

Start a Book or Movie Club

If you are quarantining or staying at home as much as possible, now is the perfect time to cross some of those titles off your reading list or watch a movie or television series you’ve been putting off for a while. Why not have your older loved one join in the fun? Choose a title to read or watch and schedule “meetings” to discuss what you thought you about it. This is an easy way to get some quality time together and broaden your horizons.

Correspond by Letter or Card

Sometimes the simplest way is the best, and this may be true with long-distance communication. A good old fashioned letter or card is an excellent way to let a family member or friend know you’re thinking about them and catch up. You can also include photos of your family and other things that will help your loved one stay positive and know that there are people who love them. Email is an option too, which has its advantages because it’s the quickest way to send a message and you can include videos of you and your family to share.

Preventing Senior Isolation through Companion Care

Humans are social creatures who need meaningful connections to thrive both physically and mentally. Seniors face the highest risk of suffering from severe symptoms related to COVID-19, but they are also the most susceptible to isolation and loneliness from social distancing. The tips will provide some relief to seniors and help them stay connected to the people that matter the most to them. 

If you cannot be with a senior you love, our personal caregivers can provide companionship and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) as they go through this extraordinary time. Our caregivers are highly trained and compassionate, and they will help your loved one age in place and maintain their independence as they social distance. Our caregivers abide by CDC guidelines to ensure the health and safety of all our clients. 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you would like to learn more about our companion care and other services designed to provide seniors with the medical and non-medical care they need. We are here to help seniors stay connected and maintain their well-being as they social distance.